Cricket poster boy Brett Lee's frustrating summer of discontent could change how Australia treats its Test 12th man in the future.

Lee is poised to narrowly miss out on a starting berth for the seventh straight time in the first Test against Pakistan in Perth on Thursday.

It has prompted calls for Cricket Australia to allow the Test 12th man to relinquish drinks-carrying duties and return to his interstate side at any time for much-needed match practice.

Lee has played only 33 days of cricket this year and has participated in only one first-class match this season after returning from ankle surgery.

Further frustrating the tearaway quick is CA's decision this week denying a NSW request for him to return to state duties midway through a four-day match against Tasmania at the SCG.

Test skipper Ricky Ponting and national selector and CA board member Allan Border are two who strongly believe Lee should have every opportunity for match practice if unwanted on Thursday.

Border felt a review of the domestic playing conditions were required.

"If we can somehow get these guys, that find themselves in that (12th man) position, some cricket we should be doing it," Border told Fox Sports Inside Cricket program.

"If there's a way to get Brett or whoever happens to be 12th man back playing cricket I think it's a step in the right direction."

If given a CA clearance to play for the Blues, Lee would have missed the opening day's play but substituted in for a reserve player who stood in while he travelled back from Perth.

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