New Zealand are set to leap out of the fire and into the frying pan tomorrow as Australia ponder the recall claims of firebrand fast bowler Brett Lee.
Considered alongside Pakistan's Shoaib Akhtar as the fastest bowler in the world, Lee is expected to finally receive an opportunity against New
Zealand in the day-nighter at the Telstra Dome.
Unable to break into the test XI for the past two months, Lee was looking in ominous form at practice yesterday and is all but certain of being named in the side, marking his first one-day international since the Champions Trophy loss to England.
The only consolation for New Zealand is that he may be one of only two specialist fast bowlers at Australia's disposal, as the national selectors are resting Glenn McGrath, and are apparently considering spelling either Jason Gillespie or Michael Kasprowicz.
"I've kept a pretty close eye on him [Lee] in the last few weeks with the games he's played and the way he's bowled at training," said Ponting, after the official launch of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.
"That's been the most frustrating thing as far as he is concerned. He knows he is ready to go, he's raring to go, and he just hasn't been given that opportunity or chance yet," Ponting said.
"I'm very excited, and so are the rest of the guys, about the idea of him coming back into the team."
Lee was disappointing in the Champions Trophy semifinal against England, conceding 65 runs from 8.3 overs, and was overtaken in the pecking order by the blue-collar Queensland paceman Kasprowicz.
But Ponting said the omens were good for Lee, who had been striding out at the practice nets and was tipped by fitness adviser Jock Campbell to again threaten the 160km/h mark.
"I am sure he'll bowl very fast when he gets his chance," Ponting said. "He's fitter and stronger than I've seen him in a long time, probably ever.
"He will bowl fast, run in and let them go and hopefully he can take some early wickets for us, if he gets the chance."
