 Australia will miss the experience of Lee and Symonds
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Australia's Brett Lee and Andrew Symonds will miss the third Test against South Africa in Sydney because of injuries.
Fast bowler Lee (foot) and all-rounder Symonds (knee) are joined on the sidelines by Shane Watson, who was 12th man for the second Test in Melbourne.
"Brett and Shane may be out for a while and Symonds will undergo knee surgery," said chief selector Andrew Hilditch.
Doug Bollinger, Ben Hilfenhaus and Andrew McDonald have been called up.
"Doug and Ben are both are having exceptional Sheffield Shield seasons and their ability to move the ball will add depth to the bowling attack, albeit that they have big shoes to fill in those of Brett Lee," said Hilditch.
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"Andrew has been a very consistent all-rounder for Victoria for several seasons. He is in very good form and as well as batting in the top six will give us the flexibility we need with our bowling attack."
Australia have already lost the series following defeats in the first two matches, and must avoid defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground to prevent South Africa replacing them as the world's top-ranked Test team.
But their prospects for the early part of the New Year do not look bright because of injuries.
Seam bowler Stuart Clark has been forced to sit out trhe series against South Africa because of an elbow problem and there are now major concerns over the possible length of absence faced by Lee and Watson.
It is understood that Lee, 32, has a stress fracture and could be out for four to six weeks, but some Australian newspapers believes he could miss the tour to South Africa in February and March.
Watson, 27, was set to replace Symonds in Sydney, but stress fractures in his back mean he may not be able to bowl for six months.
"I suppose I was pushing myself to the edge, which is what I need to do to be able to achieve the things I want to achieve - unfortunately it just tipped over the edge a little bit," Watson told Channel Nine.
"I think it's about four to six weeks of just rest, let the fracture heal, and then just start playing as a batsman.
"The great thing about being an all-rounder is that I can play as a batsman until I'm back bowling, so I'll still be able to be a part of the game and continue to improve my batting.
"I'm not exactly sure of the timeline for bowling but to be back to full bowling it probably going to be four to six months, I think."
Australia will field one of their most inexperienced bowling attacks ever in the third Test, which starts on Saturday.
Hilfenahus and Bollinger will compete for a place alongside pacemen Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle and spinner Nathan Hauritz, who have only played 22 Tests between them.
Australia squad: R Ponting (capt), M Clarke, M Hayden, S Katich, M Hussey, A McDonald, B Haddin (wkt), N Hauritz, M Johnson, P Siddle, B Hilfenhaus, D Bollinger.
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