Gillespie ready for fitness test - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Gillespie ready for fitness test

By Michael Crutcher 19/11/2002 06:34:58 AM Comments (0)

Fast bowler Jason Gillespie will return to the Adelaide Oval nets to convince selectors he is ready for one of the biggest moments of his career of his Test career.

Gillespie has to complete a net session on his troublesome calf muscle to prove he is fit for Thursday's second Test against England.

The 27-year-old has played only two Tests at the Adelaide Oval and meeting England on his home ground will be one of his most treasured appearances.

Australian team physiotherapist Errol Alcott examined Gillespie on Monday and was satisfied the right-armer was ready to bowl in the nets.

Gillespie's fitness will determine whether selectors again have to choose between Andrew Bichel and Brett Lee for the final bowling spot alongside Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.

Bichel is the favourite to retain his spot after taking nine wickets for Queensland against Tasmania in the last week while Lee claimed 21 wickets in two matches for NSW.

Lee said his confidence had returned after struggling to recover from elbow surgery. His problems were highlighted during Australia's two Tests in the searing heat of Sharjah last month.

"Bowling in Sharjah wasn't really the perfect conditions. I needed to get that confidence back and I love bowling on home soil and to go back and play for the Blues was great," Lee said.

"I was a lot more aggressive and I could afford to do that because it wasn't as hot.

"I found it really hard, as all bowlers did in Sharjah, so it was nice to get back here and get settled."

England will train in Adelaide on Tuesday for the first time, with selectors to decide whether batsman Robert Key should replace all-rounder Craig White in the Test team.

Alex Tudor and Steve Harmison will also fight for the remaining English bowling spot.

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