Brett Lee could still play a part in the Ashes series after bowling in the nets at Edgbaston.
The fast bowler missed the first two matches against England due to an abdominal injury and won't play in this week's Third Test.
Yet the news that Lee is once more turning his arm over will boost the Aussies, who are 1-0 down in the series.
Vice-captain Michael Clarke was delighted to see Lee back but said: "I don't think Brett will be right for Egbaston. He only bowled off three or four steps, so I think he's out of contention for Thursday."
Fellow pace bowler Mitchell Johnson, meanwhile, is facing the axe for the Third Test after being told to try to control his frustration at his poor performances.
After struggling in both Tests, he was the worst of the Australia attack in the three-day match against Northamptonshire last weekend, picking up just one tail-end wicket.
By contrast fellow quick Stuart Clark and all-rounder Andrew McDonald both impressed to put further pressure on Johnson.
It seems the only way he may play on Thursday is if the tourists drop spinner Nathan Hauritz and field four fast bowlers on the soggy Edgbaston strip.
Asked about his bowling line-up Australia coach Tim Nielsen said: "We'll have a look at the conditions and work it out."
Nielsen revealed he has talked to the 29-year-old Johnson about his body language.
The coach said: "I'm at him a bit about not dropping his head or letting himself get too down. He didn't bowl as well as he would have liked at Lord's."
