Jason Gillespie is raring to go again after the calf strain that ruled him out of the two Test matches against Pakistan in Sharjah last month. The first step on the road to recovery and a spot in the Pommie-bashing eleven was taken against an almost-full-strength New South Wales batting line-up on Saturday. Injuries have frequently disrupted his international career but Gillespie expects to be fit for the upcoming Ashes series, after bowling 10 overs for South Australia in a one-day match at the Adelaide Oval.

"My calf pulled up a little bit stiff but that was to be expected," Gillespie said. "It didn't pull up sore where I actually strained it and I'm happy with that.

"I'm sore all over from not a lot of bowling in the last few weeks but I'm feeling very confident of playing. But I want to have a really good bowl on Tuesday after a light bowl on Monday and see how I pull up."

One man watching closely will be Brett Lee. If Gillespie is in top gear, he will certainly share the new ball with Glenn McGrath at the 'Gabba, leaving Lee to battle with Andy Bichel for the third seamer's slot. "You have to remember that [Lee's] had a serious injury - he's had a shoulder reconstruction," said Steve Waugh. "It takes time to get over something like that and sometimes we just expect people to pick up where they left. It's going to be a tough decision for selectors.

"Brett bowled really well in the second innings in Sharjah. He bowled a good line, and Andy was great in both Test matches. He's found a yard in pace since last year and he looks the complete Test bowler and I think he really believes he's a Test bowler. But [Gillespie] has got to make sure he's 100 percent right first."

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