A heavy storm on Sunday night and showers and overcast skies forecast for the rest of the week increases Australia's chances of picking two all-rounders, Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson, for the first Test against New Zealand, starting Thursday.

The weather has left the traditionally pace-friendly Gabba wicket looking even more inviting, something the hosts could exploit with a fast-bowling quintet.

That is almost certain to be spearheaded by Brett Lee who appeared to shrug off the ill-effects of a virus to train strongly yesterday, as did vice-captain Michael Clarke.

Gabba curator Kevin Mitchell Jr admitted there would be plenty of juice on a green wicket when the covers are rolled back for the toss.

Mitchell, renowned for producing fast and bouncy tracks to provide something for each discipline, felt the only person frustrated more than him by the rain would be Krejza, who took 12 wickets in his Test debut in Nagpur.

''Generally spin doesn't come into it until late in the match,'' he said.

''[The rain] might take him out of equation. You'd have to imagine that with a good possibility of the covers being on for the next three days.''

Watson initially appeared the man most to lose with Symonds's return from the wilderness.

But both Queensland all-rounders provide something different with their respective bowling talents, which have reaped success in domestic cricket at the Gabba.

Watson has the pace and form in India to suggest he can play as a genuine third quick, while Symonds relies more on swing with his medium-pacers which hoop around in humid Brisbane conditions.

Former skipper Steve Waugh advocated playing both all-rounders at the expense of a paceman, but front-line quicks Lee, Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark are all licking their lips at the prospect of a grassy deck.