Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has declared Brett Lee back near his best to create major selection headaches leading into the first Test against Pakistan.

In what would be a selection shock, Ponting also admitted the world champions would seriously consider dropping a batsman to make way for the fast bowler in a four-pronged pace battery.

Lee was included in an unchanged 12-man squad for the Perth Test, starting Thursday, after two selection-boosting appearances in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series this week.

His chances of evading 12th man duties for the fourth straight Test hinge on how selectors view the fast and bouncy WACA wicket and whether he would give more value than wily veteran Michael Kasprowicz.

Ponting said the mere pace of Lee, who has clocked quicker than 150kph in both the Melbourne and Sydney one-dayers, made for undeniable claims on a Test return.

"He bowled very quick down (in Melbourne) and bowled very quick in Sydney the other night," he said.

"Just judging that and knowing how fit he is and how much he's wanting it, I don't think he's very far away at all.

"I think we've all seen enough even before the two (one-day) games the way he bowled to us in the nets in Adelaide (before the second Test against NZ) in particular.

"I think we all feel he's knocking on the door again and being very close to being back to the Brett Lee of old and an injury-free one.

"He's doing everything he possibly can to give himself the best chance.

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