Broken-down Australian paceman Jason Gillespie has been scratched from the Boxing Day Test starting list as jostling for fast bowling spots continued around the country.

The injury-plagued South Australian, who has played just 48 of 87 Tests since making his debut seven years ago, aims to recover from his groin strain for the Sydney Test starting January 2.

NSW speedster Brett Lee (4-106) provided the necessary evidence for replacing Gillespie with a four-wicket haul against Tasmania in hot conditions in a Pura Cup match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

But West Australian quick Brad Williams' sore left shoulder may mean there is another paceman's spot up for grabs - albeit to carry the drinks in Melbourne.

Incumbents Andy Bichel and Nathan Bracken were expected to hold their spots with spearhead Glenn McGrath sidelined for the four-Test series.

Former Test player and Victorian coach David Hookes and Test opener Justin Langer added weight to the argument that one-Test wonder Matthew Nicholson could be the player to trouble the tourists, who took a 1-0 series lead this week in Adelaide.

The Australia A bowler (1-10) made the most of his five overs late on the opening day of the three-day tour match against India in Hobart by dismissing Sadagoppan Ramesh (4) cheaply.

"Our players said that Nicholson bowled quicker than Brett Lee last week," Hookes said.

"I'm not sure whether he is a consistently quality fast bowler, but he is in form.

"If they feel he is in good enough form, get him in."

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