BRISBANE, Oct 31 AAP - Test quick Andrew Bichel is ready for one of his most important career moments next week if selectors prefer him to Brett Lee for the Ashes opener at the Gabba.

Bichel has waited more than five years to play against England after a back injury on the 1997 Ashes tour ruined his first chance.

The 32-year-old Queenslander is desperate to play on his home ground after becoming Australia's reliable back-up quick, taking 19 wickets at an average of just 17.16 in his second life as a Test bowler.

But Bichel must wait for selectors to decide whether he is a better option to support frontline pacemen Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie than the out-of-sorts Lee.

"I was really motivated to play against England in that Ashes tour but I had to come home after five weeks," Bichel said.

"I feel I'm a more complete bowler compared to back then and I know a lot more about my own game.

"They're still the team to play against and I've spent a fair bit of time playing over there in league and county cricket.

"To play them on your home track would be great."

Bichel has received support from former Test paceman Carl Rackemann and Queensland teammate Stuart Law as he strives for a permanent Test position.

Law said Bichel was a "must-starter" at the Gabba after watching his friend develop a more rounded arsenal since he first bowled for Queensland 10 years ago.

Rackemann did not want to choose between Lee and Bichel because he had not watched enough of Australia's last series, but he said Test bowlers needed more than pace.

Lee, who has averaged 38.55 in 17 Tests since his return from shoulder surgery last year, said he would rely on his explosive speed to bring him back to form.

"Pure pace, on its own, is never going to be enough at Test level," Rackemann said.

"There has to be more on offer and, as a first change bowler, you have to be versatile because you could be taking the second new ball.

"Bich is always doing that little bit with the ball. He's got good outswing with the new ball and he maintains his pace throughout the day.

"He's now a very experienced bowler and that's the development you would expect in a bowler of his quality."

Bichel bowled in the nets in hot conditions in Brisbane today as he continued a hectic month which included the arrival of daughter Darcy Rose.

He has played eight Tests, taking 21 wickets at 29.67, but his performances since returning from a three-year break in 2000-01 have been impressive.

Bichel has recovered from the gruelling Tests in Sharjah where he was brought into the Australian team for the injured Gillespie.

"The two Tests in Sharjah held me in good stead because of the extreme conditions and my body feels really good and I'm on top of my game," he said.

The Australian squad gathers in Brisbane on Sunday.

© 2002 AAP

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