Lee declares himself fit for Headingley by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	B Lee
Event:	Australia in British Isles 2009

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DateLine: 6th August 2009

 

Australian pacer Brett Lee is confident of being fit for this week's fourth Ashes Test at Headingley.

 

The fast bowler has missed the first three matches of the series but has been able to play a full part in training since the squad arrived in Leeds.

 

He must now convince the selectors that he is ready to return as the Australians look to clawtheir way back from a 1-0 deficit.

 

The 32-year-old said that he is 100% fit and raring to go at the English.

 

"Yes, 100%. I do believe I have done the work, I've been bowling eight days straight.

 

"Most days I've bowled back to back, morning and afternoon sessions. Today I bowled practically the whole session and my pace felt really good. I'm 100% ready to go."

 

Batsman Michael Clarke who sat out of Wednesday's session due to an abdominal problem is also in contention as the Australians have played down the seriousness of his injury.

 

And there is some more good news as well as wicketkeeper Brad Haddin could also return after breaking a finger on the morning of the first day at Edgbaston.

 

The only concern for Lee though would be lack of match practice having not played since a tour match against England Lions prior to the first Test.

 

He then suffered a setback in practice ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston last week but he insists that has now been overcome.

 

"Hopefully I've done everything I can to prove I'm ready to go. I'm confident if I was called upon to play I would be able to get through.

 

"If it was a different injury, you might think differently. But the way I've felt, I've done the preparation and it's been a minor setback.

 

"Hopefully I've passed that, bowling eight days straight and can prove that I can stand up and am ready to go."