Associated Press

Auckland, March 25:

Australia has again hinted fast bowler Brett Lee might be recalled for the third cricket Test against New Zealand, starting at Eden Park on Saturday. Captain Ricky Ponting, whose recommendations for Lee’s call up so far have been ignored by Australian selectors, suggested on Friday his team might use four fast bowlers in the last match of the three-Test series. Ponting made the same suggestion more strongly before the first Test in Christchurch, which Australia won by nine wickets, and less confidently before the second in Wellington, which was a rained-out draw. Several factors go against Lee’s recall for his first Test in more than a year. Eden Park is not traditionally a fast bowler’s environment and, if Australia went for a four-pronged pace attack, it would have to be at the expense of a batsman. The most likely player to be replaced, on form in the current series, is youngster Michael Clarke — only weeks ago named Australia’s player of the year for 2004.

Ponting has staunchly supported Clarke in his recent loss of form and gave no indication on Friday his omission from the Test side is imminent. He said the recall of Lee was one option the selectors would necessarily consider for the third Test, in which Australia will attempt to clinch a series victory. “It might be an unlikely one but there’s certainly a chance,” Ponting said of Lee’s selection. “All those things will be considered again, they’ve been considered from the word go on this tour.” Clarke has batted twice in the series so far, making eight in both innings, standing out in an Australian batting order in which Adam Gilchrist (twice), Simon Katich and Damien Martyn have made centuries and Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer half centuries.

James Marshall is expected to play his first Test for New Zealand, opening the batting and allowing captain Stephen Fleming to drift down the order. Fleming has struggled against the new ball, particularly against Glenn McGrath, and has scores of 17, 18, zero and one in the series. Ponting said he felt for Fleming, who had taken on the opening role for his team in the absence of alternatives. “For him to get away from the new ball at the moment would be a good thing,” Ponting said. “Hopefully it won’t make much difference but I’m sure he’ll feel more comfortable down there.”