Tearaway fast bowler James Pattinson, who is recuperating from an injury, could be back in the team
for the later stages of the ongoing triangular series, Australia coach Mickey Arthur said here today.

"Pattinson bowled at us in Melbourne, so he's coming back. We could see Pattinson at the back end of the one-day series," he said here before the start of the second ODI of the tri-series between India and Sri Lanka at WACA.

Pattinson played only two Tests against India before a foot strain forced him to sit out of the squad.

But in the two Tests he played against India, Pattinson claimed eleven wickets and was also the man-of-the-match in the first game at Melbourne.

Another pacer Ben Hilfenhaus, who played in the Test series, has already been recalled in place of injured Brett Lee and Arthur said there was keen competition for places in the team.

"Nobody wants to rest which is great. The guys want to keep playing. They realise we are developing a really good talent pool. Places are at a premium and nd there is a lot of competition for places. I guess nobody wants to relinquish their position which is perfect," the South African said.

The two senior-most members of the team, Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey, are still making their presence felt in the team.

"That is one of the reasons we kept the squad together. They value of Ricky and Mike is sensational around the group. They come in, they still, I reckon, are our best trainers. They still are our fittest players," Arthur said.

"For Peter Forrest and the younger guys to be around those two is inspirational for them. They certainly get a really good indication as to what is required to become an international player and have a sustained career. It's really instrumental they are still around the group."