MELBOURNE, Aug 2: World champions Australia have recalled fast bowler Brett Lee for next month's ICC Champions Trophy in England. Lee, one of the world's quickest bowlers, underwent ankle surgery in March after breaking down during Australia's tour of Sri Lanka.

"After the initial disappointment of that injury, I focused all my energies into getting back for the ICC Champions Trophy, which is really the only one-day tournament that has so far eluded us," Lee said in a Cricket Australia (CA) statement on Monday.

"I guess the whole break has given me a chance to reflect on the past five years and assess where my career is at. The ankle feels fine, my body feels fresh," he added.

The 27-year-old Lee has taken 151 wickets in 84 One-day Internationals and was a member of the World Cup-winning side in South Africa last year. Australia chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said the return of the fiery Lee, who has been training under the guidance of former Australia fast bowler Dennis Lillee, would boost the team.

"We are confident that he is back to full strength," Lee said. "He is a quality bowler who will give the pace attack some real depth and variety. "This is a very important tournament for this side, as Australia aims to defend its place as the leader in One-day International cricket."

Captain Ricky Ponting's squad will also play in a tournament in Amsterdam against India and Pakistan starting on Aug 21. Wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist will miss those warm-up games because his wife is due to give birth to their second child and he will be replaced by Brad Haddin.

SQUAD: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Michael Clarke, Jason Gillespie, Ian Harvey, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hogg, Michael Kasprowicz, Brett Lee, Darren Lehmann, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson. -Reuters