Lee expects a greentop

Brett Lee, who has been cleared to play in the second Test against Bangladesh on Friday despite a back problem, is expecting plenty of success on a pacy wicket at Cairns. Bangladesh were shot out for 97 and 178 on a sluggish track in Darwin, but conditions are likely to be even more in the bowlers' favour.

Kevin Mitchell, the curator, said that recent wet weather had produced more grass than expected, and there had not been enough sun to dry the wicket out. The prospect had Lee licking his chops. "I haven't seen a nice fast wicket for a while," he said, "but this looks as close to a green-top as possible."

Lee, who picked up match figures of 4 for 57 at Darwin, has set his sights on becoming Australia's spearhead in the coming years. "Whether that happens in one, three or five years time ... I'm channelling all my emotions and my energy toward it in the long run. While it was good to bowl fast it still comes to taking wickets and I was pleased to be able to do both in Darwin."

Lee had to withdraw from the attack on the third morning of the Darwin Test complaining of pain in his back. He was diagnosed as suffering from an inflamed facet joint and given an anti-inflammatory injection, which appears to have had the desired effect.

Errol Alcott, Australia's physiotherapist, explained that the injury was probably caused by Lee bowling prolonged spells after a long lay-off. "It's not uncommon," Alcott told the Australian newspaper. "It usually happens at the start of a season when players are with their states, but because we've gone straight into a Test series after a six-week break the body has not had the chance to get used to bowling again."