Associated Press

Christchurch, March 9:

Fast bowler Brett Lee is likely to make his first Test appearance in more than a year on Thursday when Australia meets New Zealand in the first Test at Jade Stadium.

Lee hounded New Zealand’s batsman in Australia’s 5-0 sweep of the limited-overs series and Australia is expected to exploit that psychological advantage when it confirms its match XI.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting said dislodging any of the incumbent pace trio of Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz would be hard but he admitted Lee was pressing hard for inclusion.

“All those guys deserve their spot and we’ve got Brett, who’s been outstanding on this tour and right through the (limited-overs) series as well,” Ponting said. “I think at the moment that Brett has a bit of a psychological edge over some of the New Zealand batsmen.” If Lee forces his way into the team, it will likely be at the expense of Kasprowicz. Ponting suggested pitch conditions would influence the final selection.

Groundsman Chris Lewis has opted to use a natural rather than a drop-in pitch for the first Test, furthering Lee’s selection claims.

New Zealand looked at the pitch after practicing on Wednesday and hinted it may take two spinners into the match, omitting seamer Iain Adams.

“Although the game’s going forward using portable pitches, it’s always nice when you come to Jade Stadium and it’s an ingrown pitch because they’ve been pretty good over the years,” said New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming.

Australian opener Justin Langer, who returns to the Test lineup after missing the one-day series, said it was inevitable the New Zealand batsmen were disconcerted by Lee’s pace.

“As a top-order batsman there’s always some sort of fear factor,” Langer said. “I’ve been telling you guys for 10 years that I love facing fast bowling... but I can assure you anyone who honestly says that is lying.”