With anticipation growing prior to the Ashes series there is differing news for two of Australia's fastest bowlers and an admission from the Australian chairman of selectors that tough decisions need to be made in picking a squad for the tour.

Lee - fit and ready Photo AFP

While Brett Lee is said to be back to full fitness, Jason Gillespie has emerged as a doubt, though he still hopes to be back in action by early May.

Brett Lee has established himself as one of the fastest bowlers in the world and is expected to be a key man in the series, but a stress fracture of the back followed by an elbow injury have sidelined him, and thrown his participation in the Ashes into jeopardy. However, former Australian batsman Dean Jones, told Bloomberg: "I saw Brett yesterday and he said he's fit and raring to go.

"He will be the main difference between the teams and if he stays fit Australia will win 3-0. If he doesn't, England could win."

Jones went on to express his concern over the current Australian batting line-up. He suggested that Cox, Elliott and Blewett should be considered as replacements for Langer, Slater and Ponting who endured disappointments during the recent series loss in India.

Controversially, Jones also indicated that Shane Warne's position may be under threat from rival leg-spinner Stuart MacGill. Since his shoulder operation in 1998, Warne's bowling average is over 35 and in the Indian series it rose to more than 50 runs per wicket. Stuart MacGill's average over the same period is 24.90.

"He (Warne) should be looking over his shoulder," said Jones. "If he doesn't perform in England he could be finished, but I think he has a psychological advantage over the England guys and will do well.

Gillespie - must prove fitness Photo AFP

"England has just won two series in the subcontinent, where we lost," Jones continued, adding that he expects this series to be the closest in more than a decade.

Meanwhile Jason Gillespie has been forced to withdraw from the up-coming PM's XI V ATSIC Chairman's XI game in Canberra, Australia, after a scan revealed "a stress reaction in his left foot."

In a media release from the Australian Cricket Board, team doctor, Trefor James said: "At this stage the foot injury prevents Jason from playing cricket for all of April. He will be re-examined at the beginning of May at which time I would expect him to start three weeks of land-based fitness activity in preparation for the tour."

The Australian team leaves for England at the end of May, giving Gillespie very little time to regain full fitness, perhaps meaning that the selectors will have to take something of a gamble if they are to include him in the squad.

"The injury is being properly managed and I am confident that Jason will be fit for the Ashes tour if he is selected," said Dr. James.

Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns admitted that the selection meeting prior to the announcement of the Ashes squad could be one of the most difficult for some time.

"There are a few people who will come under scrutiny and that's not just because of the Indian series. There is no need to panic after losing that.

"Performances over the last couple of series will be scrutinised and it will probably be one of the toughest (meetings) we've sat through for some time. We really haven't discussed anything yet but we're looking at 15 players for the Tests with the slight possibility of one more, which won't necessarily be a reserve wicketkeeper," Hohns said.

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