Lee is one of the fastest bowlers in the world

Australia have dropped Brett Lee from their team to face England in the first Ashes Test on Thursday.

Andy Bichel has been picked alongside Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie in a three-man pace attack.

Lee, who has been suffering from poor form, is the 12th man.

Bichel replaced Gillespie in the last two Tests of the recent 3-0 win over Pakistan at Sharjah.

Australian captain Steve Waugh was quick to voice some words of support for Lee, saying: "I still think he's going pretty well.

"His stats aren't that bad, he's good for the side.

"He's not far off and he just needs more of a bowl and a bit confidence."

In an unusual move, the selectors also released Lee to play for New South Wales in Friday's Pura Cup game against Tasmania in Sydney.

Lee, who has played in Australia's last 17 Tests, has 24 caps.

Before this week's demotion his international career had only been interrupted by surgery on his elbow early last year.

Australia: Steve Waugh (capt), Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann, Adam Gilchrist, Jason Gillespie, Shane Warne, Andrew Bichel, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee (12th man).