In August to September last year, China sent its one and only icebreaker Xue Long (Snow Dragon) on a successful two-way test run of the NSR.

CNN: China eyes Arctic options in energy, transport

But if the appeal is successful it could clear the way for Gatlin to receive a two-year ban for the 2006 test and become eligible to compete in May, a month ahead of the US Olympic trials for the Beijing Games.

BBC: Gatlin won the 100m title at the Athens Olympics in 2004

The final Test at The Oval gets under way on 8 September, before which Australia have a two-day game against Essex on the weekend.

BBC: SPORT | Cricket | Ashes 2005 | Aussies unlikely to make changes