Lee bids to return from injury for first Test

Australia fast bowler Brett Lee said on Wednesday he was desperate to overcome a side strain injury and celebrate his 25th birthday with a place in the team for the first Test against New Zealand next month.

Lee's birthday is on November 8, when Australia open their three-Test series against New Zealand with the first match in Brisbane.

The pace bowler had a forgettable Ashes tour, taking just nine wickets at 55 apiece despite Australia's dominance of the series, which they won 4-1.

Lee is battling a side strain injury and was overlooked for the four-day Australia interstate match between New South Wales (NSW) and Tasmania which started at Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

Victoria state seamer Damien Fleming, who was considered unlucky to not win a place in the Australia Test team during the Ashes series at Lee's expense, was firming as a new-ball partner for Jason Gillespie and Glenn McGrath in Brisbane but Lee is not giving up hope.

"November 8 is my birthday so it would be a nice birthday present, I've just got to make sure that I play the next Pura Cup (Australia interstate) game and hopefully I'll do well," Lee said.

NSW host South Australia (SA) in a four-day interstate match starting in Sydney on October 26. Lee will play club cricket this weekend in Sydney ahead of the SA match.

"If I do well in that and pull up well, hopefully I might get called up for the first Test," Lee added.

"I probably could have played this week, I was going to play last Sunday but (Sydney club side) Mosman had a bye...you wouldn't read about it."

LILLEE ASSISTS

Lee, who is no stranger to injuries in recent years in a short career that has seen him take 51 wickets at 22.96 in 12 Tests, has been trying to modify his action with the help of Australia fast bowling great and respected coach Dennis Lillee.

"I haven't spoken to the selectors but I would personally like to play (against SA) because you just don't know when your spot is up for grabs," Lee said.

"I've got to make sure I prove I can bowl over upon over -- it would be a bit difficult going into the first Test having not played a match."

Australia captain Steve Waugh is also expected to play for NSW against SA. Waugh will miss the current four-day match against Tasmania because of a blood clot in his leg.

Mail Cricket Editor