Simon Katich will become Australia's 384th Test cricketer against England at Headingley, starting Thursday.

Katich, 25, was today named to replace injured Steve Waugh, who has a torn calf, in the Australia middle order for the fourth Ashes Test.

"I'm ecstatic," said Katich.

"When you first start you have a dream of playing for Australia but you never think it will happen.

"It was a nice big surprise to be given the nod."

Katich had a restless night's sleep, knowing he was heavily favoured to earn selection ahead of fellow West Australian Justin Langer.

His parents, sister, girlfriend, manager and university mates are all heading for Leeds to watch him play.

Katich was told of his promotion to the XI by Waugh and interim captain Adam Gilchrist at the ground this morning.

"I found out just before we had a huddle at the start of practice, Gilly and Tugger called me over and said, 'good news, you're in,'" said Katich.

"I still consider myself fortunate - if Stephen was right I would not be playing."

Katich will be Australia's first batting debutant in three years and 37 Tests since Darren Lehmann versus India in March, 1998.

He missed out on a certain Test debut when Waugh played against doctor's orders with a fractured nose against Sri Lanka in September, 1999.

The following Australian summer, Katich was struck down by chicken pox, glandular fever and a mystery virus which sidelined for two-and-half months.

He became so fatigued that he fell asleep while padded up in the West Australian dressing room during a Pura Cup game had to be woken by team-mates when it was his turn to bat.

"I used my illness as a big positive," said Katich.

"It was disappointing at the time but I learned a lot.

"It makes you more determined when you come back.

"It's a positive, it's a test of character."

Katich has scored 273 runs at an average of 91 on tour.

Last summer, he made a century against every State and scored 1,145 runs in the Pura Cup, beating Langer's WA record by eight runs.

Katich handed back his baggy green cap after touring Sri Lanka in 1999 without playing a Test and vowed to use Damien Fleming's if required to field earlier in the series.

He will receive his cap before play on Thursday.

AUSTRALIA: Adam Gilchrist (c), Ricky Ponting (vc), Matthew Hayden, Michael Slater, Mark Waugh, Damien Martyn, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath (12th man to be confirmed).

© 2001 AAP