Coach John Buchanan today suggested Brett Lee deserved to share Australia's No.1 fast-bowling mantle with returning veteran Glenn McGrath.
McGrath will next week play his first match for Australia in almost eight months when the world champions start a one-day tri-series tournament in Malaysia.
Lee has successfully spearheaded the attack in his absence but doesn't personally believe he has superseded his senior NSW teammate.
But Buchanan said Lee's recent form meant the pair should share such claims heading into the two-week tournament against India and West Indies.
"Can you have No.1 shared?," he said.
"I think if you ask Brett he'd readily admit Glenn, because of his experience and his position in world cricket, still ranks No.1.
"But I know Brett would like to be holding that position somewhere down the track.
"He certainly stepped up to the mark when Glenn wasn't there."