11.   Healy who led the side until he was injured for the last match, which Australia lost, has been replaced as team vice-captain by experienced batsman Steve Waugh.

12.   Bell came close to making his England debut in the First Test against Sri Lanka before the selectors opted for experienced Hampshire batsman John Crawley instead.

13.   Experienced batsman David Houghton and paceman Heath Streak are playing against Australia despite each having broken bones in a hand.

14.   The move comes after experienced opening batsman Saeed Anwar, weakened by a lingering virus, was forced to return home.

15.   They went into the second Test without experienced batsman Daryll Cullinan, who withdrew over a pay dispute.

16.   Mendis, a newcomer to the Sri Lankan side, performed far better at the wicket than more experienced batsmen against a young but enthusiastic team of New Zealanders.