Australia's Tait ruled out of first test

SYDNEY, Nov 3 (Reuters) Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait has been ruled out of the first test against Sri Lanka with an elbow injury, Cricket Australia (CA) said today.

Tait's place in the 13-man squad for the match starting in Brisbane on Thursday will be taken by seamer Ben Hilfenhaus.

''It's disappointing for Shaun to have suffered a slight aggravation to his elbow in the lead up to the first Test,'' chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.

''Ben Hilfenhaus richly deserves his opportunity after a magnificent Pura Cup season last year. He also impressed all with his involvement around the Australian squad in the one-day international series in India last month.'' Hilfenhaus, left-arm seamer Mitchell Johnson and spinners Stuart MacGill and Brad Hogg are competing for two places in the Australian attack alongside Brett Lee and Stuart Clark.

REUTERS AB PM1145