LONDON - A strong vote of confidence in Brett Lee, and Michael Kasprowicz's old-ball abilities, could squeeze Jason Gillespie out of the Australian side for the first Ashes test, starting at Lord's on Thursday.
Captain Ricky Ponting said Lee had done everything he could to play his first test in
almost 19 months, after bowling with fire all tour and looking ready to partner Glenn McGrath with the new ball.
Kasprowicz could sneak past Gillespie through his expertise with the old ball, which Ponting said could be crucial towards deciding Australia's latest pace battle.
Gillespie and Kasprowicz struggled early on the tour, but struck form towards the end of the one-day series against England.
However, neither had any impact on the last day of the warm-up match against Leicestershire yesterday.
Gillespie took none for 57 and Kasprowicz none for 60, and neither could prevent West Australian opener Chris Rogers from scoring a stunning 209, which kept the Australians in the field all day and forced a draw in the three-day fixture.
Gillespie's past four years would have him in front of Kasprowicz, but his effectiveness might be reduced if he played in the first test, as he would bowl first change behind McGrath and Lee.
Kasprowicz is a master of cutting the older ball off the pitch.
"All those things will come up, who's more suited in the role ... who does or will use the older ball better, there are lots of things to consider," Ponting said.
"Who can bowl longer spells might be required, it might not be required. Who knows?
"We've just got to look at the guy who we think is our third-best seam bowler and go that way."
Lee took four first-innings wickets against Leicester and one for 78 in the second.
"He's done everything in his power, I think," Ponting said. "He bowled beautifully, he bowled fast on a really lifeless wicket, he still managed to get something out of it, so I don't think you could ask any more of him.
"Right through the New Zealand one-day series, both one-day series here and this lead-up game he's been very good."
Rogers, who top-scored in both innings, said Lee had been the fastest and best of the Australian bowlers.
"He bowled seriously quick that first spell and probably as quick as anything I've faced.
"Gillespie got more rhythm as he went on and so did Kasper ... it's a hard job for the selectors."
In a sign of how close the pace race was, Ponting spent prolonged periods at slip to watch his bowlers and planned to ask wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist for his input.
The Lord's pitch, expected to produce more runs, will also have a bearing.
With three centuries against Leicestershire - to Justin Langer, Ponting and Damien Martyn - and the fast bowlers all jostling, Australia are ready to embark on their Ashes defence after a six-week build-up.
"There'll be no excuses as far as we're concerned with our preparation," Ponting said.
"We've all been here long enough and we've had a big enough chance to work on our games throughout the one-day series, and even in training."
- AAP
Michael Kasprowicz (centre) may squeeze out Jason Gillespie of the Ashes team. Picture / Reuters
LONDON - A strong vote of confidence in Brett Lee, and Michael Kasprowicz's old-ball abilities, could squeeze Jason Gillespie out of the Australian side for the first Ashes test, starting at Lord's on Thursday.
Captain Ricky Ponting said Lee had done everything he could to play his first test in
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