Australian captain Ricky Ponting says selectors face a tough job in picking the side for next week's first Test against New Zealand in Brisbane after Jason Krejza's magnificent debut in India.There is speculation Australia will name a 13-man squad today including all-rounders Shane Watson and Andrew Symonds.
But speaking on Channel Nine, Ponting hinted that one of them will probably miss out if spinner Jason Krejza retains his spot in the side.
"There's a decision to be made there on if we think we need a spinner in Brisbane," he said.
"Obviously Krejza doing so well in the last Test in India, probably deserves to be given another chance, but we'll wait and see which way the selectors lean."
Ponting says the final XI will depend on the Gabba pitch.
"So we'll see which way the selectors go, we'll see what we are confronted with up there as far as wickets go," he said.
"The couple of first class wickets up there have been quite conducive to seam bowling so we'll see what we get when we get up there."
But Ponting says Watson did nothing wrong in the recent Indian series.
"He certainly has done himself no harm Shane Watson to get through the series as well was a terrific effort from him and we look forward for him being a good cricketer for us for years to come," he said.
The Gabba pitch usually produces a batting paradise but can offer a bit of help for the faster bowlers.
Ponting has defended the form of strike bowler Brett Lee, who took only eight wickets in the series and was hampered by a stomach bug in the final Test in Nagpur.
Ponting says Lee should be right for the opening encounter against the Kiwis.
"He lost five or six kilograms throughout that last Test match," he said.
"I know he's been to the hospital for blood tests... Hopefully with a week before the Test match he can back fit and healthy again."
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