1.   Australian paceman Matthew Nicholson and England wicketkeeper Warren Hegg were kept waiting for their test cricket debuts Saturday when the opening day of the fourth test was washed out.

2.   Australian paceman Michael Kasprowicz will be hunting for his lost test place when he confronts the English tourists Friday in their final warm-up match before the Ashes series begins.

3.   Australian paceman Simon Cook is expected to make his test debut against New Zealand on Thursday following a strong endorsement by captain Mark Taylor.

4.   Australian medium paceman Paul Reiffel will return to the Test arena in place of the injured Jason Gillespie.

5.   Australian paceman Glenn McGrath returned to the side after a six week lay off due to injury.

6.   Australian paceman Glenn Mcgrath was to undergo two fitness tests for a muscle strain Wednesday to see if he would be right to play.

7.   Australian paceman Jason Gillespie, back from injury, took both wickets including that of former Australian opener Matthew Hayden who was bowled for two.

8.   Australian paceman Glenn McGrath on Wednesday said New Zealand came into the season as underdogs and lacked world-beaters.

9.   Australian paceman Glenn McGrath says the cricket World Cup winners are upset by allegations that Pakistani players may have thrown the final.

10.   Australian paceman Jason Gillespie failed a fitness test and was ruled out Wednesday for the fourth test against England at the MCG from Saturday.