Tait rules out Ashes return

Shaun Tait has categorically ruled out a return to the Test side for the Ashes series that starts in November, saying he has given "no thought" to a comeback.

Tait transformed Australia's 50-over side when he was recalled for the third ODI at Old Trafford, giving the attack a decisive edge that was missing during Australia's defeats in the first two games. After bowling one of the quickest opening spells ever witnessed at Lord's in the final ODI, speculation was rife about Tait's potential impact in Test cricket.

He has not played a Test since 2007 and, after a series of injuries, retired from the first-class game in 2008 to try and prolong his career. Tait made it clear that his thinking had not changed. "Ricky has never asked me to come back and play at Test level - it's been all blown up by the media but that is all it has been," Tait told reporters in Cardiff.

"I'm not really bothered either way about the Ashes - I'm not concerned. It's a weird thing how it came up because I haven't even thought about playing Test cricket. I got through three one-day games and then the next minute I'm being talked about as a Test cricketer once again. But I'm not going to play in the Ashes, it's as simple as that. It's a long way off for me."

Tait is one of the world's few bowlers with extreme pace but the rigours of the longer format proved too much for his body. Despite feeling "in a good place" in the immediate aftermath of his Lord's triumph, Tait said he can only play limited-overs cricket.

"I believe you have to play a certain amount of four-day games for your state before you can even begin being asked to play in a Test match. It's a selfish decision to try and prolong my career. My decision's been criticised but I'm sticking by it.

After his success in the Australia's 50-overs side, Ricky Ponting suggested to the media that Tait would be a welcome addition to his battery of Test pacemen but Tait said the two never talked about it.

"It's not just a matter of me saying 'I'll play' and that's it. Ricky and I haven't had that talk and I doubt we will. Australia have plenty of great bowlers and never have a problem with their fast-bowling depth."

"Doug Bollinger has a great record, Mitchell Johnson is the current World Cricketer of the Year and quick on his day, and then there's Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus and Ryan Harris. They should be fine and I think they should be clear favourites to win the Ashes back in Australia.

"Recent results against England have hurt us but if we play well as a team, we should beat any team in the world. That's the way I see it."