Merv Hughes says Lee intimidates England

Australia should retain fast bowler Brett Lee for this week's first Test against England because of the intimidatory factor, former Test bowler Merv Hughes said on Monday.

"If you have a look at Brett Lee at the Gabba, when he comes in to bowl the crowd just lifts," Hughes told reporters.

"If you watch the English batsmen they just seem a little bit more nervous. He's there for the fear factor."

Lee, 25, is under pressure from fellow paceman Andy Bichel for a place in the team for the first Test starting at the Gabba on Thursday.

He has taken 89 wickets at 27.94 from 24 Tests but his strike rate has declined markedly since he took 42 wickets at 16.07 in his first seven matches.

Hughes, who took 212 wickets in 53 Tests, was popular with crowds for his exaggerated warm-up stretching routines, thick handle-bar moustache and his habit of giving batsmen unfriendly advice after bowling bouncers.

GILLESPIE CLEARED TO PLAY

Fast bowler Jason Gillespie was cleared on Tuesday to play for Australia in the first Ashes cricket Test against England starting on Thursday.

The lanky paceman was in doubt after being sent home from Australia's recent series with Pakistan after injuring a calf muscle.

He played in a domestic limited-overs match on Saturday, but was not cleared to play against England until passing a fitness test on Tuesday.

Gillespie's availability means Australia's selectors will have to choose between Brett Lee and Andy Bichel as the third paceman with Glenn McGrath certain to open the attack.

Lee is Australia's fastest bowler but has been struggling for form since returning from injury while the less explosive Bichel is a Brisbane local with a history of success at the Gabba.

Mail Cricket Editor