Brett Lee rubber-stamped his Ashes selection but Jason Gillespie's hopes remained in limbo as Australia began its official lead-in to the first Test last night.
Lee forced three Leicester batsmen from the field – one retired hurt – in a hostile opening seven-over spell which reaped 2/25.
Given the responsibility of leading Australia's attack in the three-day match with Glenn McGrath resting, Lee responded in the best possible manner. He took a wicket with the first ball of the match, repeatedly beat the bat and forced Jonathon Sadler to retire hurt on four after one of his thunderbolts crashed into the batsman's left collar-bone.
Sadler was hit with the second ball he faced but he battled on briefly before the pain became too much. West Australian opener Chris Rogers (56 not out) was the only Leicester batsman to impress as the hosts went to lunch on 3/113. Rogers spanked eight boundaries in reaching his half-century and was particularly strong through mid-wicket.
Lee appeared primed for next week's Ashes opener after his impressive one-day campaign. But his early work in front of national selector David Boon last night effectively guaranteed his return to the Test side after a 19-month absence. This left Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz to fight it out for the third fast bowling spot at Lord's.
Gillespie shared the new-ball with Lee but he lacked any great penetration. The South Australian would have been disappointed with his opening spell of 0/38 off nine overs.
- JON PIERIK