ANDREW Strauss returns to action tomorrow - but will not be faced with the prospect of another barrage from Brett Lee.

Fast bowler Lee inflicted a sickening blow on the head for Strauss in the final Test when a bouncer did not get up as much as the batsman thought.

However, the Australian, a former club team-mate of Strauss in Sydney grade cricket, will miss the opening match of the Commonwealth Bank Series against England at the MCG with bronchitis.

Although the 29-year-old continued with his innings at the SCG after being checked over by physio Kirk Russell, he was left with a sore neck for a few days and sat out Tuesday's Twenty20 defeat.

''I actually remember it pretty clearly to be honest,'' Strauss said. ''I had 15 to 20 seconds or so when things were a little bit fuzzy but after that I was fine to carry on.

''A lot of it is shock. It hit me pretty hard, it didn't get much of the helmet so I was concerned for a while but by the time Kirk was sticking his fingers up in front of me and asking what day it was I was pretty much okay to carry on.

''These things happen and fortunately it wasn't too serious.

''The neck was a little bit stiff and sore for a few days afterwards and turning around was a little bit awkward but I am now fully looking forward to getting stuck in for the one-dayers".

Strauss is primed to open with Michael Vaughan for the first time at international level.

England are expected to hand one-day international debuts to veteran wicketkeeper Paul Nixon and left-arm spinner Monty Panesar for the triangular tournament's opener.

There could be a call-up, too, for Hampshire seamer Chris Tremlett, who played three ODIs for England in the summer of 2005.

Don't miss today's Daily Echo for an exclusive interview with Tremlett.