Redbacks coach Mark Sorell says Shaun Tait could be ready to play in the Champions Trophy in September but would prefer it if the bowler made his comeback in the Sheffield Shield.
Sorell said the next month of training was important in Tait's comeback and believes he's a chance of making the trip to Pakistan for the upcoming international tournament.
"The way things are progressing, Shaun is really on target," Sorell said.
But the South Australian coach said it would be ideal if Tait was eased back into the game.
"He's not going to be bowling flat out and I guess it's very slow and steady with Shaun, we want to make sure he's fully fit and raring to go," he said.
"If I was to be totally selfish I'd want to see Shaun bowling really well for us at the start of the year and that would be good for Australia anyway."
The Redbacks we'll probably need Tait's services if they are to get off to a winning start this season. They come up against last year's four-day finalists Victoria and NSW in the opening rounds of the 2008/09 Sheffield Shield.
It'll be a tough task for the South Australian side that finished second bottom and lost experienced players from its squad last year.
However Sorell said the team was looking forward to the challenge.
"We want to test ourselves against the very best and that's when you get a real gauge on how you are going," he said.
"I don't think there are any easy games in the comp to be honest so the way things are shaping up we'd rather play those two sides and know where we stand after those first couple of rounds."
The first-class programming will also ensure the Redbacks get their value for money out of Pakistan recruit Younus Khan.
The middle order batsman should be available in six Shield games and eight Ford Ranger Cup clashes before he returns to Pakistan after Christmas.
"He's just keen to get going and we are keen to have him amongst here as well so hopefully before our pre-season tour he'll be involved in a group," Sorell said.
South Australia often make a slow start to the season and are out of finals contention before Christmas. Sorell said he was hopeful a pre-season hit out in Maroochydore would help his team make a brighter start to the year.
"One thing we are addressing is the need to compete more in our preparation, prior to the start of the year," he said.