Lee and Haddin Confident of Leeds Test Return

Leeds: Brett Lee is adamant he is fit enough to lead Australia's Ashes fightback at Headingley on Friday despite concerns within the team over his ability to last the match. Lee missed the opening three Tests with a side strain but has bowled for the past eight days and believes he has done enough to demand selection.

Brad Haddin is confident his fractured finger will be able to withstand the rigours of a Test match, and has given himself a strong chance of playing at Headingley on Friday.

Haddin was withdrawn from the Australian XI shortly after the coin toss at Edgbaston as he broke his left ring finger during the warm-ups, but is hopeful he will be available for the final two Ashes Tests.

Haddin, with the assistance of a pain-killing injection, completed his first training session in a week on Wednesday, and was enthused at the progress of the recovery. The Australian glovesman completed a number of wicketkeeping drills and took throw-downs in the nets; a major breakthrough given his inability to even grip the bat last week.

His return in place of Graham Manou would significantly bolster Australia's batting depth entering the fourth Test. Haddin scored 229 runs at 76.33 in the opening two matches of the series, including a dashing 121 in Cardiff.

Scores	Upcoming	Results
South Africa vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 1st Test - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 26-30, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining) 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs

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