SYDNEY, Feb 24: Fast bowler Shaun Tait intends to become Australia's main strike weapon when the World Cup kicks off in the Caribbean.

With Brett Lee ruled out of the squad after tearing ligaments in his ankle in New Zealand, Tait wants to become Australia's key fast bowler. "With Brett going down and the Australian team possibly not going in as favourite for the first time in ages it is a massive challenge,” Tait said.

Tait has played just four One-day Internationals and two Tests. He is vying with Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark for the third seamer's spot at the World Cup, with veteran Glenn McGrath and left-armer Nathan Bracken likely to share the new ball.

Tait said: "It's a test not just for me but the whole side. I am raring to go now, ready to get into it. I do feel for Brett though, he is a good mate."

Tait, 24, is one of the most inexperienced players among the major contenders at the World Cup, with just two Tests and four ODI caps.

Meanwhile, chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch also nominated Tait as the man to lead the charge, saying that Lee's absence only increased the need for him to step up. "Obviously we are missing Brett as a strike bowler and Shaun would regard himself as a strike bowler," Hilditch said. "He comes more into the forefront. I was pretty happy with how Shaun went in New Zealand (in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy).

"We thought he played a pretty important role. They were very flat wickets and very small grounds and he had an impact." –Agencies