AUSTRALIAN international Shane Lee has a burning ambition - and that's to help Worcestershire clinch promotion from the Frizzell County Championship Division Two and become champions of the Norwich Union League Division One.

The County are well placed to achieve both goals and all-rounder Lee wants to play a key role in what promises to be a thrilling climax to the season.

The 29-year-old has already featured in both competitions after replacing Andy Bichel who has returned to Australia for international duties.

Lee said: "Obviously Worcestershire want to get into the First Division in the Championship. I'd like to see that. I'd also like to see us win the league and be part of that.

"From a personal point of view I just want to be very consistent with my batting and bowling and knowing that when I get back to Australia I've performed well here."

Lee, who has played 45 one-day internationals for Australia since his debut during the 1995-6 season against the West Indies, played one season for Somerset in 1996 when he topped their batting averages.

He enjoyed the experience so much that he grabbed the chance to link up with Worcestershire when approached by New Road Director of Cricket Tom Moody.

He said: "I thought it was a great chance to get in some good form for the start of our season and at the same time help Worcestershire out.

"It was a bit of a shock to get the call. We were half way through our pre-season preparations for the year and it was great to get the call up and get over here."

Lee made his debut in the County's home Norwich Union League game with title rivals Glamorgan Dragons and had mixed fortunes. After hitting 41 he struggled shake of the rust with the ball and went for 39 in three overs.

His hopes of making a major impact on his Championship debut for the County against Nottinghamshire at Kidderminster's Chester Road ground, however, were ruined when he suffered a muscle spasm in his neck and spent much of his time having treatment.

Lee, however, has quickly settled into the New Road way of life.

"It's always good to come into a team with a good spirit. The boys are bubbly and hopefully I can put in some good performances and contribute to the success of the County.

"It's always good to be playing in a positive aggressive team and with Tom leading the way I think Worcestershire will continue to play like that."

Determined Lee hopes that by making an impression with the County it will boost his chances of earning a place in the Australian team for next year's World Cup in South Africa.

He said: "I think everything happens for a reason and with Andy Bichel going away with Australia it gives me a good opportunity to get some really good form under my belt before the start of our season.

"For the World Cup the Australians will probably pick late December or early January so you have only really got half a season to impress. I really want to hit the ground running when I get back to Australia.

"If you are scoring runs and taking wickets it can never hurt your chances that's for sure."