Selectors keep faith in Hayden

The out-of-form opener Matthew Hayden has retained his place in the squad for the third Test in Sydney. The selectors have named a 13-man party that includes New South Wales quick bowler Doug Bollinger and the Victorian all-rounder Andrew McDonald as replacements for Brett Lee (foot) and Shane Watson, who has stress fractures in his lower back. Watson was tipped to come into the side for Andrew Symonds, who has been battling a knee complaint.

There has been speculation about Hayden's future with the 37-year-old having made 552 runs this year at an average of 32.47, well below his career average of 50.92. The pair will go under the knife during this week. The team physio Alex Kountouris said he expected Symonds to be sidelined for four to eight weeks. Lee's operation is not related to the stress reactions in his left foot but Kountouris said it was wise to use the time off to send him in for clean-up surgery.

Kountouris said Watson's injury was the result of an increased workload. * PA Sport