BRETT Lee is one step closer to regaining a Test spot despite selectors assuring Michael Kasprowicz yesterday his one over from hell would not count against him.
Lee's scintillating return to the Australian one-day team on Sunday night had selectors excited about his pace and control.
Yesterday his form allowed him to be diplomatic about cricket's hottest selection debate as the turmoil unfolded around him.
"If I can do well over the next two one-day matches hopefully I can be in Perth for the Test. That's my aim," Lee said.
Kasprowicz made a plea to selectors not to hold his horror over from Sunday night against him, when Kiwi duo Hamish Marshall and Brendon McCullum took 22 runs.
"I'm not the first bowler to go for a few runs in a one-day game and certainly won't be the last," Kasprowicz said. "Unfortunately it happened at that point in time in the game."
Even though chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns defended Kasprowicz, the Queensland quick will be rested from tomorrow night's one-day clash at the SCG.
This opens the door significantly for Lee who impressed Hohns on Sunday.
"The most encouraging thing was the speed he bowled," Hohns said. "It was very encouraging."