MELBOURNE, Oct 16: 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 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 Oct 7.

Gillespie remained with the squad for treatment as Steve Waugh’s team moved to Sharjah.

The tall right-arm paceman boasts a Test record of 126 wickets from 34 matches at an average of 26.36.

England squad arrives in Perth, later this week in preparation for the first Test in Brisbane starting on Nov 7.

Gillespie’s state side South Australia will play a four-day match against New South Wales starting on Oct 25.

Gillespie was due to arrive in Adelaide Thursday.—Reuters