No easier for Zimbabwe against less experienced Aussies

Zimbabwe had some reason to think that the spate of injuries suffered by the Australians might make their job in the second Test a little easier, instead it has possibly got tougher. Newcomers in any side like to make an impression, and so rarely do opportunities come in Australia, that Brad Williams on debut, Simon Katich in his second Test and Brad Hogg in his fourth, have everything to play for in Sydney.

Hogg got his place when Stuart MacGill failed a fitness test and Katich took the place of Darren Lehmann whose achilles tendon strain will keep him from playing for up to six weeks. The motivation is all there for the younger brigade, although it is hard to describe players from the hard-nosed first-class level in Australia as inexperienced.

Katich has played 100 first-class games and has an average of 49.02, including 21 centuries, while Williams in 51 matches has taken 181 wickets at 30.34. It can be a long wait for international status in Australia.

Having fought back against the depleted Australian attack in Perth to hold the margin of defeat to an innings and 175 runs, Zimbabwe are about to find that out again and their aim must be to improve their top-order batting to be more competitive in their first Test appearance at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The Australians too, will be looking to ensure they have only to bat once in order to secure another innings victory, which would be their fourth in succession.

Steve Waugh, captaining the Australians for the 53rd time in a Test, gave Katich the thumbs up before the match."He's ready made for Test match cricket. He's got a great temperament, very determined cricketer, I thought he batted very well towards the end of last season. He's had a good season for Hampshire but his bowling, he took about 18 to 20 wickets in the last four or five games," Waugh said

Williams, the fast bowler, was more in touch with his game than when more of a firebrand four or five years ago, Waugh said. "He's come back from serious back injuries. He was a tearaway four or five years ago, probably the quickest in Australia, he's still pretty quick now, but he knows his game now. He's worked hard, he's been 12th man a number of occasions, he's looking forward to it so it's a great opportunity for him."

Katich said he was looking forward to his second Test with his first Test nerves having been disposed of and he was keen to put the experience to use that he has acquired having toured with the side.

Zimbabwe have yet to name their team but were encouraged by the sign of Douglas Hondo getting through a full training session today in Sydney. However, he has only bowled the two overs on tour that preceded his injury. There was also a slight concern over a knee strain suffered by Zimbabwe's best player in the first Test, Sean Ervine. However it is not expected to prevent him playing tomorrow.

One of the most interesting features of the match will be how the Zimbabwe bowlers shape up, how much hunger Matthew Hayden reveals in his second innings against them, and who, among the other Australian batsmen, can cash in on their opportunity.

The teams are:

Australia: 1 Matthew Hayden, 2 Justin Langer, 3 Ricky Ponting, 4 Damien Martyn, 5 Simon Katich, 6 Steve Waugh (capt), 7 Adam Gilchrist, 8 Andy Bichel, 9 Brett Lee, 10 Brad Hogg, 11 Brad Williams.

Zimbabwe: (from) Heath Streak (capt), Tatenda Taibu, Dion Ebrahim, Trevor Gripper, Mark Vermeulen, Stuart Carlisle, Craig Wishart, Craig Evans, Sean Ervine, Andy Blignaut, Ray Price, Douglas Hondo.