'I was 12th man in India for four Tests'

He might be under pressure to regain his place in the Australian team for the upcoming Ashes series but pacer Brett Lee insists he is at the peak of his fitness and is feeling stronger than ever.

Lee was criticised by former cricketer Geoff Lawson, who termed him country's last-choice bowler, who will prove a liability in Australia's bid to avenge its 2005 Ashes loss in England.

"My preparation before this tour has been outstanding. It's probably the best preparation I've ever had," Lee was quoted as saying in the Herald Sun.

"That all came through getting injured and having 17 weeks to get my strength back up at home. I'm at a stage in my life, at 32, I feel I'm definitely the strongest I've ever been and I feel fit," he added.

A game against Sussex, and the July 1-4 trial against England Lions would decide his place in the Ashes side and Lee said he has kept a plan B for himself if he doesn't get selected in the playing XI.

"So I give myself every opportunity and if it happens, it happens. If it doesn't I'll work on plan B.

"You've always got a second plan in place but I'm not planning to work on plan B at the moment. I've done the hard work and if I get the opportunity then the hard work will pay off."

Lee also believes in competition and said it was a healthy sign for Australia to have so many pacers fighting for a place in the team.

"I know you've got to perform as a player," Lee said. 

"If you're not doing the business then you're not going to get the nod. I understand that. I understand too, that if I put too much pressure on myself then I'm less likely to play the style of cricket I want to play. 

"It's that fine line, it all comes down to me and whether I'm comfortable and I'm happy with the way that I'm training.

"If Australian stocks, as far as bowling goes, are nice and healthy, and there are five or six guys who can get an opportunity, it's only going to improve us as a team. 

"We do realise that only 11 players can play so there are going to be some guys who miss out which is, unfortunately, what happens as part of a touring side. 

Lee said he has seen enough life to know how to deal with its ups and downs. 

"I've been on both sides of the fence. I was 12th man in India for four Tests and close to 18 months. So I know what it feels like. If I'm not worried about the other stuff - what if this, what happens if I don't. To me, that's not the best way I go about it.

"When I'm at training I'm focused and when I'm not at training I'm playing some guitar and relaxing. I've got a smile on my face which is good," he added.