Blewett dropped as Hayden earns Test recall

After three years in the wilderness, Queensland Bulls opener Matthew Hayden has earned a recall to the Australian team to play New Zealand in the third Test in Hamilton starting Friday.

Hayden, who played the last of his seven Tests against South Africa at Cenurion Park in March 1997, has replaced the out-of-sorts Greg Blewett who has failed to flatter despite Australia's record run of nine straight victories. Blewett, who has scored 2552 runs in 46 tests at an average of 34.02, has managed just two half-centuries in his past 16 Test innings.

The Australians lead the three-Test series 2-0 after comprehensive victories at Eden Park, Auckland, and Basin Reserve, Wellington. But this strong form forces the selectors to make another tough decision on match morning about who will carry the drinks, seamer-cum-spinner Colin Miller or swing bowler Damien Fleming.

Meanwhile, New Zealand's hopes of a consolation victory in the Test have been dealt a blow with young left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori ruled out with injury.

Vettori, who struggled gamely throughout the second Test with a strained back, is one of two omissions for the Test at Westpactrust Park, with veteran swing bowler Simon Doull surprisingly dropped.

The pair has been replaced by the Northern Districts duo of 19-year-old left-arm spinner Bruce Martin and 22-year-old right-arm paceman Daryl Tuffey. Martin has been the leading wicket-taker in Shell Trophy matches this summer, claiming 28 wickets at 13.60 in five matches, while Tuffey has taken 17 wickets at 22.52, whilst also scoring an 89 not out.

AUSTRALIA: Stephen Waugh (captain), Damien Fleming, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Brett Lee, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Colin Miller, Michael Slater, Shane Warne, Mark Waugh (12th man to be named).

NEW ZEALAND: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Chris Cairns, Matthew Horne, Bruce Martin, Craig McMillan, Shayne O'Connor, Adam Parore, Mathew Sinclair, Craig Spearman, Daryl Tuffey, Paul Wiseman, (12th man to be named).