Cricket: Lee and Gillespie all fired up

Australia might have settled its pace attack for the first Ashes test against England after Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie shone against Leicestershire.

Lee took 4-53 to ink his name in the first test line-up after outstanding lead-up form through the one-day matches, and Gillespie bowled well early and claimed two late wickets in his final two overs to finish with 2-40. Matthew Hayden also impressed with a quick-fire 75 off just 68 balls.

Australia bowled the county side out for 217 inside two sessions, with Australians Chris Rogers (56) and Jason Krejza (38) contributing the two highest scores.

While Lee's inclusion seems certain, it did on their last tour to New Zealand as well. The paceman created havoc in the one-day series but was left seething on the sidelines as the selectors went for the tried and trusted Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz and Glenn McGrath.

Gillespie and Kasprowicz started this match, competing to play alongside Lee and McGrath at Lord's on Thursday.

Gillespie should've done enough to hold on to his test place.

- AAP