Australia have replaced leg-spinner Stuart MacGill with paceman Andy Bichel in the only change to their 12-man squad for the second Test against South Africa at Melbourne starting on Boxing Day (December 26). MacGill took five wickets against the South Africans during their match against New South Wales on Thursday, but with the pitch likely to favour seamers the selectors opted for the extra quick bowler instead. Bichel was 12th man for the entire series against New Zealand but was replaced by MacGill for at Adelaide because the pitch there was expected to take turn. In the end MacGill was left out of the final 11.

Although Bichel is expected to be 12th man again, he might have a chance of playing if the Australian selectors decide that Brett Lee has had enough chances. Lee was unimpressive in Adelaide and he has struggled with his rhythm recently, bowling far too many no-balls.

The 12th man won't be named until the morning of the match. Australia (from) Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, Steve Waugh (capt), Mark Waugh, Damien Martyn, Adam Gilchrist (wk), Brett Lee, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath, Andy Bichel.

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