ADELAIDE - Darren Lehmann knows he's close to Test selection but he admitted today it would take a "tough call" to oust Mark Waugh.

Lehmann flew into Adelaide from Sharjah today, released early from the Australian squad to lead South Australia against NSW in the Pura Cup match from Friday.

After sitting through the three Test series against Pakistan, it's his one chance in a four-day match to show he's in the right form to earn selection for the first Test against England at the Gabba strating on November 7.

If he gets the nod, it will almost certainly come at the expense of Waugh, who has endured another disappointing series against Pakistan.

"Everyone's dream is to play in an Ashes Test series," Lehmann said.

"Hopefully, if I get a chance, I can play well.

"It's really up to me to make as many [runs] as I can before that first Test and then see what the selectors do from there.

"But Mark Waugh's been a great servant as well, so it's a tough call. We'll just have to wait and see what happens."

Waugh finished the three-Test series against Pakistan with meagre returns of 55, 0, 2 and 23 at an average of 20.

Over his past 17 Test innings, the 37-year-old has averaged just over 30 - but one fact that may save him is a sterling average of 50.09 against England.

For 32-year-old Lehmann, the series against Pakistan was equally frustrating, sitting it out, but he said he was still pleased to be part of the squad.

"At least you're there and you're a chance to play every Test match, you never know what's going to happen with form or if someone gets ill," he said.

"So it's good to be on the tour and you really feel involved.

"It's better to be there than stuck at home."

Lehmann was also cheered by the performance of the SA side in the first Pura Cup match against Victoria last week, the Redbacks scoring an outright win after being dismissed cheaply in the first innings.

"News we were bowled out for 140 first up was a bit disappointing but they fought back really well and played well from there," he said.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.