Simon Katich has been called up to the Australia squad for the second Test against Zimbabwe in Sydney later this week following his outstanding season with Hampshire.

Katich, above, returned to Australia three weeks ago after finishing the English county season as Hampshire's player of the year. Now he could win his second cap on Friday after being named in a 14-man Australia squad.

Left hander Katich, 28, is likely to replace Darren Lehmann, if the former Yorkshire skipper fails to recover from a bout of tendonitis.

Trevor Hohns, Australia's chairman of selectors, explained why Katich has been called up ahead of Martin Love, who scored a century against Bangladesh on his last Test appearance.

Hohns said: With Darren Lehmann's fitness under a cloud, we felt Simon Katich, who like Darren can slot into the middle order as well as bowl some handy left arm wrist spin, was a suitable replacement.

"We weren't on the look out simply for a batsman as a potential replacement for Darren, rather a batting all rounder.

"Simon's bowling was a major influence in our decision making. Martin Love was certainly considered, but on this occasion we felt Simon's bowling record on the Sydney Cricket Ground would prove invaluable."

Katich, whose only other Test appearance was against England at Headingley in 2001, took 17 championship wickets at 34.76 for Hampshire last season as well as 1143 runs at an average of 60.15. He also set a new county National League batting record, making 728 runs at 42.82.

Katich admitted: "It came out of the blue.

"I woke up and saw a message on my phone and got the shock of my life when it said I was in the Test squad.

"It's nice to be involved again, it's a good confidence booster to know the selectors have me in mind."

Australia lead the two match series 1-0 after beating Zimbabwe by an innings and 175 runs at Perth, a match which saw ex-Hants batsman Matthew Hayden smash a world record 380.

l Meanwhile, former Hampshire man Wasim Akram plays the last match of his career in Lahore today - a charity game for a Pakistan XI against a World XI.

The game will raise funds for the Zindagi Trust for underprivileged children.

Wasim, who retired in June, said: "I always wanted to play my last match in Lahore.

"Playing in front of my home crowd for a noble cause will not only give me pleasure, but satisfaction."

Tickets are now on sale for the Rose Bowl's second one day international - New Zealand v West Indies on Thursday, July 8th 2004. To book tickets ring 0870 4230291.