McGrath, Gillespie, Katich dropped for Chappell-Hadlee opener

SYDNEY Dec 4 (UNI): Australia has dropped ace-bowler Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Simon Katich from the line-up for the first] match of the Chappell-Hadlee series against New Zealand atMelbourne's Telstra Dome tomorrow.

Brett Lee, Shane Watson and Brad Hogg found favour with the selectors, according to a cricket Australia release here.

The second match of the series would be played in Sydney on December 8 and the third and the last match would be in Brisbane on December 10.

The Team: Ricky Ponting (C), Adam Gilchrist (VC), Matthew Hayden, Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson, Brad Hogg, Michael Kasprowicz and Brett Lee.