Lee sure of being No 1 again

Pacer wants to the be Australia's spearhead once again after a long injury lay-off

Pacer wants to the be Australia's spearhead once again after a long injury lay-off

Sidelined from the Australian squad after ankle injury and surgery, Brett Lee says he has no doubt he will re-capture ownership of his title as Australia's pace spearhead from Mitchell Johnson.

Acknowledging Johnson had earned the title of Australia's No. 1 bowler, Lee said he is determined to regain his former status.

The 32-year old shrugged off suggestions he might find it difficult to regain his place in the Australian team after Mitchell Johnson's match-winning performances against South Africa at home and abroad as all-rounder, the maturing of pace bowlers Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus and the return of the dependable Stuart Clark to full fitness.

Australian fast bowlers Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson. PICs/AFP

Lee has been training with the King's XI Punjab team in South Africa during his rehabilitation.

After a session at nets with his Australian team-mates in Abu Dhabi yesterday, Lee told media persons: "Hopefully my 10-year career 300 (wickets) in both the one dayers and Test matches will speak for itself, providing I'm fit of course, if I'm back bowling the pace I can bowl, yeah I'm 32 but there's no reason why I can't bowl faster."

Lee said he was fitter than he's been for a long time.

"The way the ankle has improved has been awesome, that's the reason I'm excited."

Ashes in sight
After bowling an impressive spell at nets, without going full throttle, Lee said he will build up the intensity over the next few days with the aim of making a comeback either in Sunday's one-day match against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, or more likely the Twenty20 in Dubai on May 7.

But he said next summer's Ashes in England was foremost in his sights.

"With all respect to other cricket it's the Ashes first, the Twenty20 World Cup, the Australian tour here and then obviously the IPL to finish up over there.

"I have to work my way back and see how the ankle feels but definitely I'll be flat-out when the Ashes tour is around.

"That's my aim and if I'm not then I'll find another way to get ready."

Ajmal fined
Meanwhile Pakistani off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has been fined an undisclosed amount from his match fee by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and warned after his comments about Australian all-rounder Shane Watson.

Ajmal's action when bowling the 'doosra' was reported as illegal during the second ODI against Australia on Friday. He accused Watson of complaining to on-field umpires Billy Bowden and Asad Rauf about it.

Apart from the PCB punishment, the 31-year old could also face action by the ICC for his comments, which are a violation under its code of conduct.