Gillespie hopes to be fit for Ashes opener

Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie will fly home to Australia this week in a bid to be fit for the Ashes series against England, the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old fast bowler broke down with a calf muscle injury during Australia's win against Pakistan in the first Test in Colombo, Sri Lanka on October 7.

Gillespie remained with the squad for treatment as Steve Waugh's team moved to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, for the second and third Tests of the three-match series.

The tall right-arm paceman opens the attack for Australia with Glenn McGrath and boasts a Test record of 126 wickets from 34 matches at an average of 26.36.

Australia leads the series 2-0 and the third Test starts on Saturday in Sharjah.

Captain Nasser Hussain's England squad arrives in Perth, Western Australia later this week in preparation for the first Test against Australia in Brisbane starting on November 7.

Gillespie's state side South Australia will play a four-day match against New South Wales in Adelaide starting on October 25, which would be an ideal opportunity to prove his fitness for the first Test.

"The hope is Gillespie will be available for selection for the first (Test)," the ACB said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Gillespie was due to arrive in Adelaide on Thursday, the ACB said.

Mail Cricket Editor