Leave stars alone, says Aussie chief

Tim May, chief executive of the Australian Cricketers' Association, today warned his country's Test selectors not to put pressure on players ahead of this summer's Ashes tour.

More than once chief selector Trevor Hohns has called for county-contracted players chosen in the Ashes squad to make sure they stay fresh.

Three expected Ashes tourists, Shane Warne, Simon Katich and Michael Kasprowicz, have so far signed with counties for 2005 but fast bowler Brett Lee was persuaded by the selectors to reject several offers he received to play in the English domestic competition.

"I don't think we can tell them they can't sign with counties, but it's certainly been made clear we want them fresh for the Ashes series," Hohns said.

But May pointed out an agreement with Cricket Australia stated that any player had the right to take up a county offer unless he was suffering an injury.

"The selectors can talk to the players, but I would have thought that it is the player who knows his body best," May said. "They have the right to ply their trade where they want."

Meanwhile, veteran batsman Darren Lehmann was dropped and out-of-form opener Matthew Hayden held his place in the 14-man Australian squad announced today for five limited-overs internationals in New Zealand starting later this month.