England name Mahmood, Panesar for third Ashes test

PERTH, Dec 14 (Reuters) England have made two changes to their side for the third Ashes test against Australia starting at the WACA in Perth today with paceman Sajid Mahmood and spinner Monty Panesar playing their first tests of the tour.

Mahmood comes in for Lancashire team mate James Anderson while Panesar replaces Ashley Giles as England bid to overhaul Australia's 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Australia named their team yesterday with all-rounder Andrew Symonds playing his first test for eight months in place of the retired Damien Martyn.

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 PM0719