Gillespie has struggled for form in recent months

The selectors have brought back batsmen Damien Martyn and Michael Clarke, and pacemen Shaun Tait and Michael Kasprowicz into their 14-man squad.

Glenn McGrath, for personal reasons, Nathan Bracken and Brad Hodge make way.

"We've put together a squad to cover a tough series," said Australia's chief of selectors Trevor Hohns.

"We've taken into account the fact that three Tests are virtually back-to-back and we believe we've got adequate cover in this squad to manage that tight schedule," added Hohns.

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He said Martyn and Clarke both deserved another chance although Hodge was very unlucky to lose his place.

"Martyn has had some time out of the team and we feel this is the right time to slot him back in at number four," said Hohns.

Clarke returns to the fold

"The reintroduction of Clarke follows some productive time away from the Test team.

"Hodge can count himself unlucky not to be included.

"The selectors were looking for Brad to put together some really big scores in domestic first-class cricket to consolidate his position in the Test squad but unfortunately that hasn't happened."

Hohns did not explain why Gillespie, who was tipped for a recall, failed to win a place among the quartet of fast bowlers picked.

"The decision on the make-up of the fast bowling quartet was not an easy one, given that we are without McGrath for this series," Hohns said.

"We wanted a blend of pace, youth, experience and line and length and believe we have all of these covered with our selection."