Lee will now spearhead Australia's bowling attack

The two-match series against Sri Lanka next month will be Australia's first since the two bowling veterans retired and Tim Nielsen was installed as coach.

Lee said: "In the hard Test matches we've always been able to turn to Glenn McGrath or Shane Warne to try to take a wicket and get the breakthrough.

"Now we haven't got that. It's the start of a new era but it's exciting."

Lee, 30, will lead the seam attack for Ricky Ponting's side supported by Stuart Clark.

Left-armer Mitchell Johnson and pace man Shaun Tait are also in contention for a call-up.

606: DEBATE Having Lee and Tait in the same side would be risky SI

"I'm looking forward to having a chance of bowling with Shaun Tait because he's got great pace and great aggression and that's what I pride myself on," said Lee, who has taken 231 wickets in 59 Tests.

"What I can say on Mitchell Johnson is that when he has had the opportunity to bowl with the brand new ball he has always done well."

Aussie coach Nielsen must also choose a replacement for retired opening batsman Justin Langer.

Phil Jaques and Brad Hodge are among the favourites to step up, and Hodge has the backing of Langer himself.

"He is too good a player not to be playing Test cricket," Langer told Melbourne Radio.

"For Hodge to make as many runs as he has at number three in first-class cricket, he's obviously got the technique and the temperament to cope at any position."

Australia's first Test against Sri Lanka begins on 8 November.