Australian selector Allan Border has told injured fast bowler Brett Lee that he has been overtaken by Michael Kasprowicz.
Lee has been sidelined by an ankle ailment since aggravating a previous problem during March's tour of Sri Lanka, and his absence - along with that of Brad Williams (back) - gave Queenslander Kasprowicz another chance in national colours.
Kasprowicz bowled without luck in the first innings of last week's first Test against Sri Lanka in Darwin, but made the most of conditions conducive to swing bowling with 7-39 in the second innings as Australia wrapped up an easy win.
That being the case, Border told The Courier-Mail Lee will not be an automatic inclusion when he is fully fit, even though he returned to light training last week hoping to win a spot in the squad to tour India in October.
"Brett will have to bide his time ... he won't be rushed back," Border said. "Kasper's in the side and he is the incumbent and is doing a great job - that makes it difficult to get in."
"There's no great mysteries there. We realise what a valuable asset Brett is and he's only a young man who has plenty of time ahead of him."
Kasprowicz though isn’t as convinced that he has cemented his place in the team, having been in and out of it several times in his career.
"I don't select the team, I just go out and try my best and hopefully my best is good enough," Kasprowicz said. "If the opportunity is there to stay in the team then hopefully I do."