Speedster Brett Lee is hoping that a decision to commit himself to the opening Ashes Test will not cause him to miss the birth of his first child.
Recently-married Lee, 29, and wife Liz Kemp, also 29, have agreed he will play in the opening Ashes Test despite the fact the couple's first child is due on November 22, the day before the match starts.
If it comes during the Test, Lee has reluctantly resigned himself to missing the birth. The decision followed "marathon" discussions between Lee and his wife.
"Obviously the family is the most important thing and hopefully there is a way to work around both things because I would love to be there," Lee said.
He joked that sponsors Three mobile phones maybe could investigate a video link to allow him to witness the birth.
Lee doubted that he would be given permission to rush back to Sydney during the Test if the baby arrived during the match.
"You have to make sure that when the Test match starts you are totally focused ... which I will be," he said.
"If nature takes its course, I am hoping it (the baby) might come a few days early. It will be a totally new experience for both of us. Just the thought that we have created something makes it special. It is obviously going to be a very exciting time."
The Lees were married in June at the southern highlands estate of broadcaster Alan Jones, attended by national squad members Simon Katich, Shane Watson and Michael Kasprowicz.
Last week Lee joined his contracted team-mates at a four-day boot camp in Queensland which he felt was a masterstroke for team bonding. "I don't think that the team has ever been closer than after that camp," he said.
"It was a great idea. Probably the only small change I would make is having a five-minute window each day where players would be allowed to call home," he said.
The selectors have recognised Lee's exceptional progress over the past year by ranking him No.2 behind Ricky Ponting on the 25-man contract scale.
Meanwhile, Glenn McGrath has weighed in at a career-high 100kg and feels the extra weight will make him a more formidable force this summer.
"I'm lifting a lot heavier weights than I've ever done, which hopefully will mean I will maintain that strength longer through the year," he said.
McGrath is more than 20kg heavier than when he became a major force in world cricket in 1995.
- ROBERT CRADDOCK