Cricket: Lee fit for Test?

Despite missing the first three Tests with a rib injury, Australian pace bowler Brett Lee has declared himself ready to play at Headingley on Friday.

The 32-year-old has been bowling at full pace in the nets, and insists he is fit enough for a five-day test.

Lee said: "I have been bowling for two weeks and I have bowled for eight days straight. The pace has felt really, really good. 100 per cent ready to go.

"I'm confident if I was called upon to play I would be able to get through. If it was a different injury, you might think differently," he added.

And injury continues to throw doubt on the participation of England's Andrew Flintoff. Flintoff has been named as part of the squad, but is struggling with his troublesome knee.

The home team lead the series 1-0 after the first three of five matches.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:Duncan Fletcher, Guardian Unlimited: "England must go into Friday's fourth Test at Headingley with ... attack. Assuming Andrew Flintoff is fit, they need the balance he brings to the side and his capacity to earn wickets for colleagues at the other end. But it could be a very hard decision for the selectors to make. What if Flintoff breaks down in Leeds? If the pitch goes flat... they might be left without a bowler capable of flogging the life out of it... It could be a tricky couple of days ahead for the selectors."

Justin Langer, BBC Sport: "Obviously Australia will have to be ready to pounce on their wilting opponent and with the street fighting instincts of the Australian captain bubbling with anticipation, England will have to be on guard. England still hold the cards but my sense is that they will feel less at ease than they did six days ago.Once again the Ashes are providing a wonderful spectacle for Test cricket."

Richard Hobson, the Times: "Flintoff did not bowl in the nets yesterday and batted for only a short period, but Australia are preparing as though the all-rounder will be lining up against them once more. The touring side are optimistic that Brad Haddin and Michael Clarke will recover from injuries, with Brett Lee considered a risk before what may be the series decider at the Brit Oval."

Derek Pringle, the Telegraph: "Both are desperate to play, but while Lee has to persuade the selectors he is an acceptable risk, Flintoff, keen to preserve the 1-0 lead he sweated cobnuts to gain at Lord's, may find there is no one strong enough to drop him if his risk becomes unacceptable." ·