I hope to play in fourth Test, says Lee

Birmingham:

Recuperating from a rib injury, Australian fast bowler Brett Lee is hoping to hit the peak of his pace by next week to reclaim his place in the squad for the fourth Ashes Test at Headingley.

Lee suffered a side strain just before the Cardiff Test which eventually sidelined him for the first three Test and the lanky pacer is hoping to be back in the reckoning in the third Test.

"I want to be going flat out by day five here (in Birmingham) so I've got two more days," Lee told Cricket Australia TV.

"I had a really good bowl today, go a little bit harder tomorrow then hard on the fifth day and hopefully be back by full pace then," he added.

Lee said he is feeling better now as there is no pain in the injured area.

"It's been challenging to say the least but things are starting to fall into place now," he said.

"The body's starting to feel really good, I've got no pain there in the left rib region, I had a bowl today and look forward to doing a bit more tomorrow."

Australia's most experienced bowler Lee with 310 scalps from 76 Tests made his last appearance in the forgottable Boxing Day Test where he carried a foot injury and battled against South Africa.

However, the 32-year-old said he is not unduly worried and his form or pace as he has already proven that.

"I'm not worried about my form or the pace, hopefully I've proven that," he said.

"It's just a matter now of making sure the rib feels OK.

It feels good so far so we'll just see how it goes," he added.