Sydney: Mark Waugh's future in the Australian team will be decided on Sunday when the national selectors deliberate over the players to face England in the opening Ashes cricket Test in Brisbane.

In a telephone hook-up, Trevor Hohns, Allan Border, David Boon and Andrew Hilditch will decide whether the 37-year-old Waugh deserves to play in the first Test starting at the Gabba on November 7.

"The meeting will probably be no different to any other," Hohns said on Friday.

"They are all tough and take some time, particularly at the beginning of a series because we try to talk about which direction we're heading in."

Selectors are also likely to decide whether to retain fast bowler Brett Lee after an indifferent series against Pakistan, while considering the fitness of fellow speedster Jason Gillespie.

The Australian players and coach have spoken strongly in favour of Waugh, but that won't hold much sway if selectors decide time is up for the 128-Test veteran.

Sentiment didn't spare wicket-keeper Ian Healy three years ago when he was denied a farewell Test at the Gabba after a distinguished Test playing career. And reputations didn't save Waugh and twin Stephen earlier this year when they were sacked from the One-day team after a combined 569 matches.

Mark Waugh did nothing to further his Test case during the recent series whitewash against Pakistan, scoring just 80 runs from four innings.

That was Waugh's fourth consecutive series averaging 35 or less, although Australia has not lost any of those series.

Darren Lehmann heads the list of contenders after re-establishing his place in the national One-day team.

Others to have claims are Jimmy Maher, Martin Love, Mike Hussey, Brad Hodge and Simon Katich, while rising NSW star Michael Clarke represents the younger brigade.

The team will be announced on Monday.