Australia's pace production line has rarely seen a more brutal injury toll than over the past 18 months, with up to 10 bowlers on the sidelines.

Australia quicks on the mend in time for Ashes campaign after injury-plagued year

ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

PETER SIDDLE

Only recently returned to action after suffering stress fractures in his back in January. His first official comeback game was for Victoria in the Champions League last month. Has had to remodel his bowling action. Ashes prospects: Will depend on how he bowls for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield.

BEN HILFENHAUS

Was sidelined for most of the last Australian summer with knee tendinitis and returned in Australia's neutral Test series against Pakistan in England in July. Ashes prospects: Bright.

MITCHELL JOHNSON

Missed the one-day series against England in the UK in June with an elbow infection, suspected to be related to a tattoo he got before the World Twenty20 Cup in the Caribbean. Ashes prospects: Lock him in.

RYAN HARRIS

Stormed into Test and one-day international cricket this year but was forced home from England needing knee surgery. Is set to make a comeback early next month after having revolutionary fluid injections. Ashes prospects: Outside chance for first two Tests but a chance later in series

SHAUN TAIT

Burst back into the Aussie one-day line-up in England in June but currently out of cricket for at least two months with his chronic elbow injury.

Ashes prospects: None

DOUG BOLLINGER

Missed the second Test in India recently with an abdominal strain and will miss a Twenty20 against Sri Lanka. Ashes prospects: Solid

BRETT LEE

Finally on the comeback trail after ages out of cricket with an elbow problem.

Retired from Test cricket but trying to force his way into Aussie side for next year's ODI World Cup. Ashes prospects:

Less than zero.

JOSH HAZLEWOOD

Impressive young NSW quick struggling with possible back stress fracture. Ashes prospects: Slim.

PETER GEORGE:

Fast bower to watch out for after making his Test debut in India when others were injured.

Ashes prospects: Marginal.

JAMES PATTINSON

Victoria bowler who was a bench warmer in Australia's tour of India until sent home with back stress fractures.

Ashes prospects: Next to none.

BEN CUTTING

Boom young Queensland quick who was forced under the knife for ankle surgery this winter. Making a slow but steady return. Ashes prospects: Will play for Australia but almost certainly not this summer.