Australia win the toss, bat v England in Perth

PERTH, Dec 14 (Reuters) Australian captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat in the third Ashes test match against England in Perth today.

Australia, who hold a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, have called in all-rounder Andrew Symonds in place of Damien Martyn, who announced his retirement earlier this week.

England brought in paceman Sajid Mahmood and spinner Monty Panesar in place of James Anderson and Ashley Giles.

Australia: Ricky Ponting (capt), Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Mike Hussey, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Stuart Clark, Glenn McGrath.

England: Andrew Flintoff (capt), Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Kevin Pietersen, Geraint Jones, Sajid Mahmood, Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison, Monty Panesar.

REUTERS DKS PM0747