MELBOURNE: World champions Australia have recalled fast bowler Brett Lee for next month's ICC Champions Trophy in England.
Lee, one of the world's quickest bowlers, underwent ankle surgery in March after breaking down during Australia's tour of Sri Lanka.
"After the initial disappointment of that injury, I focused all my energies into getting back for the ICC Champions Trophy, which is really the only one-day tournament that has so far eluded us," Lee said in a Cricket Australia (CA) statement yesterday.
"I guess the whole break has given me a chance to reflect on the past five years and assess where my career is at. The ankle feels fine, my body feels fresh," he added.
Lee faces stiff competition for a start in Australia's fast bowling line-up for the two tournaments.
He was named along with Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath and Michael Kasprowicz.
Lee has taken 151 wickets in 84 one-day internationals and was a member of the World Cup-winning side in South Africa last year.
Australia chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said the return of the fiery Lee, who has been training under the guidance of former Australia fast bowler Dennis Lillee, would boost the team.
"We are confident that he is back to full strength," Hohns said. "He is a quality bowler who will give the pace attack some real depth and variety.
"This is a very important tournament for this side, as Australia aims to defend its place as the leader in one-day international cricket."
At 27, Lee does have age on his side. Gillespie is 29, Kasprowicz 32 and McGrath 34.
In the past year Gillespie has assumed the role of Australia's strike bowler, but McGrath showed he was getting back to his best after his ankle problems in the recent Top End series against Sri Lanka.
Kasprowicz is enjoying an Indian summer in his career and has the advantage of strong recent performances.
Captain Ricky Ponting's squad will also play in a tournament in Amsterdam against India and Pakistan starting on August 21.
Wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist will miss those warm-up games which end on August 28 because his wife is due to give birth to their second child and he will be replaced by Brad Haddin and Darren Lehmann will assume the vice-captaincy.