Simon Katich has been dropped from the Australian team for the second Test agains
t the West Indies at Hobart on Thursday.
The left-handed middle order batsman has experienced a form slum recently and has been replaced by Victorian Brad Hodge, who will make his Test debut.
“Simon's form has not been what he expects of himself and we felt it was time to give someone else an opportunity,” said chairman of selectors, Trevor Hohns.
“Brad Hodge has been a very high-scoring player for Victoria for many years and we believe he can do it at Test level.”
The other notable change to the team is the inclusion of all-rounder Andrew Symonds, who replaces the injured Shane Watson.
The full squad for the second Test is: Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Nathan Bracken, Michael Clarke, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Stuart MacGill, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds, Shane Warne.
