ARUNDEL, England - First Test certainties Mark Waugh, Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath have been omitted from the Australian cricket team to play an MCC XI in a three-day match starting at Arundel, England, tomorrow.

Michael Slater, Justin Langer, Simon Katich and Colin Miller will make their first appearances of the English summer after missing selection for the limited overs tri-series.

Reserve wicketkeeper Wade Seccombe has also been given a run.

Waugh, Gilchrist, Ponting, Lee and McGrath are certain to play against Essex at Chelmsford in another three-day fixture, starting Friday.

The first Test between Australia and England for the Ashes starts on July 5 at Edgbaston.

The team is: Steve Waugh (c), Michael Slater, Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Damien Martyn, Simon Katich, Wade Seccombe, Shane Warne, Colin Miller, Damien Fleming, Jason Gillespie.

© 2001 AAP