Rejuvenated Tait raring to go

Shaun Tait, the Australian fast bowler, says his self-imposed exile from the game was "really not that big a deal", as was portrayed by the media when he announced his decision in January. Tait said he always had the desire to return, and that his condition couldn't be compared to that of England's Marcus Trescothick, who announced his retirement citing mental stress.

Tait is taking his first steps back into the international arena after being named in the Australia A team for a one-day tri-series in India, which also includes a side from New Zealand. Having recovered from a virus he picked up on the journey to India, Tait stuck to routine warm-up exercises and opted not to bowl at the nets during the washed-out second day of Australia A's three-day match against the Indians.

"I didn't want to make a fuss about it [the break]," Tait said. "The media probably read a little too much into it. Back then, my body was acting up, feeling a little sore, and as a result I wasn't really enjoying my cricket. When you're out there in the field playing for Australia and not enjoying it you know something is seriously wrong. I just wanted to take a break from the game, simple as that.

"Trescothick sounded like he was in a much worse position than me. [Steve] Harmison had issues with touring but now he's come pretty strong and is part of the England one-day squad."

Life came a full circle for Tait in 2007, starting with the highs of the World Cup, during which he picked up 23 wickets, and ending with a wicketless performance in the Perth Test against India in January. Tait had undergone elbow surgery earlier in the season and a series of niggling problems took their toll on him. Less than a fortnight after his Test return, Tait announced his decision to take a break. It took him three months to even entertain thoughts of making a comeback.

"I was carrying a couple of injuries back then and getting up in the morning was a pain," he said. "I didn't really seek any professional help. I just talked to friends, family and coaches in South Australia to help me pull through. My family was surprised initially but they supported my decision as I really wasn't being myself.

"After three months, I was ready to start training. I started watching cricket videos and suddenly felt like being there."

Tait took his first public steps towards a comeback in May when he joined the Test squad at a training camp in Brisbane. He retained his Cricket Australia contract and the board took care of his rehabilitation. The recovery process, he said, hadn't affected his bowling action, and he expected to hit his peak speed soon, provided he's used in short bursts.

He's fully aware, however, that he cannot walk back into the Australian team, with the likes of Brett Lee, Stuart Clark, Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Bracken vying for places. "I know it's difficult to get back into this Australian side and you've got to be patient," he said. "The break has refreshed me physically and mentally. I just need to go out there and prove to myself, the selectors, and everybody else, that I'm ok."