BRETT Lee says he will be shattered if the most lethal bowling of his career does not earn him a recall for Thursday's Test against New Zealand.
Lee says he has done everything possible to convince selectors he should play against New Zealand in Christchurch, but barely a feather separates him from Michael Kasprowicz in an intriguing selection race.
Both Lee and Kasprowicz have outstanding claims to play alongside Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie.
Lee is desperate to play his first Test in 14 months after another scorching one-day performance on Saturday.
"I've bowled my heart out, I've given it 110 per cent," he said yesterday.
"I've done everything I can, if that's good enough that's fantastic.
"If not, then I have to come up with Plan B."
Plan B probably involves him bowling faster, taking more wickets and becoming fitter, although it's hard to imagine him looking in better shape than he has for six months.
He is eyeing Shoaib Akhtar's world record for the fastest delivery (161km/h) after regaining the pace of his rookie season in 1999-2000.
Lee equalled the fastest recorded delivery of his career on Saturday when he sent a 160.8km/h missile towards New Zealand's Craig Cumming.
"I'm bowling the best I ever have," he said.
"The speed on Saturday was fantastic, I'm proud that I have done that. I know I can go quicker.
"It would be great to go past Shoaib but I would much rather take wickets than just be known as a guy who can bowl fast."
Allan Border arrives in Christchurch this week to oversee the team selection and Lee said he did not expect to learn the final XI until Thursday morning.
But selectors may tell the players earlier if they have made up their minds after watching the one-day series.
Lee and Kasprowicz were both impressive during Australia's 5-0 rout that pushed the world champions to the highest recorded one-day ranking.
The home team faces a massive task to avoid another thumping.
"We've got to dig very deep and there is no doubt we are outskilled," New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said.
"But there are plenty of ways to skin a cat and we'll work damned hard to unsettle Australia."
Matthew Hayden still hopes to play despite the shoulder injury that forced selectors to have Mike Hussey on standby to replace him.
- MICHAEL CRUTCHER