Tait knows he's got something to prove

Shaun Tait wants to show Australia he can still perform at his peak after a long break from the team. Tait will be part of the Australia A squad for a one-day series in India next week, which is his first official playing engagement since withdrawing from the Test side in January due to physical and mental exhaustion.

Despite picking up a virus on the flight to India, Tait said he would be ready for high-speed action. "The goal this tour is to prove to the Australian coaches, selectors and players that I am still up to performing at my best," he told the Advertiser. "I don't get picked to bowl 135kph. I am picked to bowl fast."

The series, which also involves teams from India and New Zealand, is an important step for a number of players - Brett Geeves, Xavier Doherty and Cameron While will also join the squad - but the most attention will be on Tait. "I think at the moment the selectors look at me as more a one-day or Twenty20 player," Tait said.

"I'm comfortable with that. My three Tests have been a little disappointing but I have proven I can do well in the one-day stuff."