Brett Lee no certainty in Test reshuffle

With team confidence teetering after a 2-0 loss to India and a pivotal series against the second-ranked South Africans looming, Australia's selectors will today reveal their blueprint for Australia's bowling future when naming a 13-man squad for the first Test against New Zealand.

Shane Watson, Andrew Symonds and Jason Krejza are expected to be named in the expanded squad for the Test that begins next Thursday, however one is likely to be sidelined. And fitness concerns surrounding pace duo of Brett Lee and Stuart Clark could prompt selectors to call in fast bowling cover, possibly in the form of Tasmanian Ben Hilfenhaus, on a Gabba wicket expected to favour the quicks.

The logjam created by the availability of Watson, Symonds and Krejza is particularly troublesome. With the underperforming Cameron White likely to make way, and Clark in line for a recall, selectors must decide whether to persist with the traditional choice of an all-rounder and a spinner, or the more experimental configuration of two all-rounders.

Watson trailed only Mitchell Johnson for most wickets by an Australian paceman in the recent Border-Gavaskar series, while Krejza's 12-wicket haul on debut will have left an impression on selectors desperate to find a long-term spinning option.

Symonds has completed his rehabilitation program following his expulsion from the team, and is seeking to return to reclaim the mantle of the world's leading all-rounder.

Australian opener Matthew Hayden yesterday called for Symonds' immediate recall to the Test side, however Watson remained uncertain which way the selectors would lean.

"It's going to be a difficult one for whoever misses out, but I am going to try not to worry about it too much," Watson said.

"I loved the experience of India, and really felt my bowling came a long way, but it is up to the selectors and what they want.

"There's absolutely no reason why there couldn't be room for both me and Roy. We play together in the one-day side and for Queensland, but there is obviously going to be a lot of competition for just a few spots."

Murmurs within the Australian camp yesterday suggested selectors were considering demoting Lee to state cricket in a bid to rediscover form and fitness, however the prospect of a hard, grassy Gabba pitch could work in his favour. He took a disappointing eight wickets for the India series.

Lee's chances of selection could be boosted by a fitness cloud over Clark, who will travel to Melbourne to consult a specialist on his injured elbow but remains confident he will be fit to play, if selected. Clark was dropped for the fourth Test in Nagpur to accommodate an extra spinner.

"It's probably not 100% … We'll see what the surgeon says, but I think I'll be right to go," Clark said.

Though Victorian Peter Siddle was preferred as right-arm pace support in India, it is believed the selectors are considering calling Hilfenhaus into the squad. Hilfenhaus has taken an impressive 15 wickets at 14.13 for Tasmania this season.