FORMER Test firebrand Rodney Hogg believes the national selectors should consider dropping Shane Warne if it means finding a place for Brett Lee in this week's first Test against Pakistan.
As support to retain Michael Kasprowicz grew yesterday, Hogg suggested Australia employ a "horses for courses" policy at the WACA Ground when the series begins on Thursday.
"I would rest any one of them (bowlers). You need a bloke to run into the wind. Maybe Shane Warne could be left out," Hogg said.
"You could have four fast bowlers and bounce the c--p out of them.
"It doesn't matter who you rest, but you have to play Brett Lee."
An examination of Warne's record in Perth shows Hogg's call is not as far-fetched as it may seem at first.
Test cricket's greatest wicket-taker has managed a modest 23 wickets at an average of 42.6 from nine Tests in Perth.
It compares with his overall record of 552 wickets at 25.54 from 117 Tests.
While Hogg advocated the recall of Lee, who has not played a Test since last summer, former speedsters Terry Alderman, Geoff Lawson and Len Pascoe poured scorn on suggestions the glamour quick be recalled to play on the fastest pitch in world cricket.
Alderman said it would be "plain wrong" to leave out Kasprowicz, who has taken 38 Test wickets at 25.63 this year.
"Michael Kasprowicz has bowled his heart out for Australia," Alderman said.
"It doesn't matter what the pitch looks like and how much bounce it has.
"Unless Australia goes in with five specialist batsmen or leaves out Shane Warne, which I can't see happening, Lee shouldn't play."
Australian captain Ricky Ponting has flagged the option of dropping a batsman, with Darren Lehmann the most likely to be axed should the selectors decide that is the best plan.
But selectors have not opted for five specialist batsmen on Australian soil since Adam Gilchrist made his debut in 1999.
Lawson said that would be Lee's only lifeline. He believes if not for the fact the match was in Perth, Lee would not even be considered.
"Kasprowicz has earned his spot and doesn't deserve to be dropped," Lawson said.
"He has been brought up on something like that (the WACA) in Brisbane so he would probably be suited to those conditions."
Pascoe urged Lee to remain upbeat, saying his time on the outer would add to his longevity.
"Brett is like money in the bank because he is staying fit and motivated," Pascoe said.
"What you miss out on now you'll pick up at end of his career."