Bollinger set on ODI debut

Doug Bollinger, the Australia paceman, is relishing the prospect of making his limited overs debut for his country next week - and has been training hard to prove it. The left-arm quick has been called into the national squad for the forthcoming one-day series against Pakistan in the UAE after Brett Lee was forced to delay his return from an ankle injury.

Bollinger has been working with a boxing trainer since returning from the Test tour of South Africa last month in a bid to improve his fitness. And he admits the extra effort is paying off. "I've been doing some boxing training and lost a bit of weight," Bollinger said. "I'm trying to get myself a lot fitter and stronger. It'll make my job a lot easier on hot days." While disappointed for New South Wales teammate Lee, Bollinger is excited about breaking into the international one-day arena. His promotion comes just four months after he made his Test debut for Australia.

"It's been a good ride this season. This is an exciting call-up and I can't wait," Bollinger said. "Australia have got a very good one-day side and have been successful and I can't wait to get over there and have a bit of fun. "I'm really stoked to get the call." Despite embarking on two overseas tours without making a start in the top side, Bollinger insists he is happy to bide his time. If given a chance in the UAE, the 27-year-old will seize the opportunity to press his claims in the short form of the game.

The Ashes tour will also be in his thoughts. "It is frustrating and it can be disappointing but in the back of my mind. I remember Brett Lee had to wait 18 months before he got a gig," Bollinger said of his time on the fringes. "I'm happy to be around the Australian team and be around the environment. You've just got to keep plugging away. "I just want to do well and hopefully that will give me the nod for the Ashes trip. That's the trip to go on."

Australia play South Africa today in the final ODI. * With agencies