SYDNEY - Paceman Brett Lee is likely to have a fitness test early next week to decide whether he can resume his place in the Australian squad for the upcoming one-day series.

Lee has been sidelined with a back problem since the second Test against the West Indies in early December at the WACA.

The tearaway fast bowler is yet to bowl since team medical staff discovered a stress reaction in his back after the Australians' win over the Windies in Perth.

Selectors will name a squad for the one day series against the West Indies and Zimbabwe at the end of the Sydney Test.

And Lee is likely to be part of that squad, fitness permitting.

Lee will undergo a fitness test, possibly on Monday, to determine whether he will make his comeback in the opening match against the West Indies in Melbourne on January 11.

Lee today said he was confident he had overcome the back problem which forced him to miss the final three Tests of the West Indies series.

"I feel like I haven't played in ages. I miss it," he said. "It's been very hard because I have stressed to the guys that my back is not sore, it's not hurting me ... but it's been for a good cause and in my best interests.

"It's a short term loss for a long term gain. You have to look at the big picture."

Lee visited his Australian teammates at the SCG earlier today before returning to the menswear store in the city where he works on a casual basis. He has watched little cricket during his enforced absence from the game, but has concentrated on maintaining his fitness in anticipation of a recall to the Australian squad. Lee took 16 wickets in last year's one day series against India and Pakistan and has taken 34 wickets in his 20-match career. However, the Australian selectors are unlikely to take any chances with the 24-year-old, with a tour of India to follow the one day series and an Ashes tour later this year. "They've been playing some very good cricket but it's been hard to watch them," Lee said. "I'd much rather be out there with them playing then be watching them from a beanbag at home. "I like to play one day cricket. "I think it's a huge thing to play any form of the game. I just like playing for Australia."

© 2001 AAP