SYDNEY, Nov 9: Posed with their most difficult decision of recent years, Australia's cricket selectors kept their middle order batsmen on tenterhooks, delaying announcement of the squad for this month's Test series against New Zealand.

Selectors met via a telephone hook-up but only settled on a squad late in the day, prompting Cricket Australia (CA) to delay until Wednesday the announcement of squad for first Test of two-match series, in Brisbane starting Nov 18.

CA will instead announce the squad on Wednesday morning with players informed on Tuesday night.

Much of lengthy selection debate surrounded who to pick from batsmen Darren Lehmann, Michael Clarke and Simon Katich, who are fighting for spots five and six in the order, and who all have overwhelming cases for inclusion.

Lehmann has hit five hundreds in his past 14 Tests, is one of Ricky Ponting's on-field leaders and is fit after missing fourth Test against India with a hamstring injury.

Katich has made a seemingly effortless transition into the team over past year and Clarke topped batting and bowling averages on the subcontinent in a sparkling debut series.

There were also headaches for selection panel on bowling front. With legspinner Shane Warne still recovering from a fractured thumb and a 50-50 proposition to play Kiwis, selectors needed insurance should he not play, and regular stand-in Stuart MacGill is likely to be included.

A 13-man squad is expected, but if selectors opt for a wait-and-see approach on Warne's fitness a 14th player could be named.

Paceman Brett Lee could be included after missing out in India, although a lack of recent cricket counts against him despite his assurances he is fittest he's ever been.-Agencies