COLLIS Birmingham faces an anxious wait for World Cross Country selection after finishing third in Australian trials on Sunday.Birmingham finished third after a late fade-out across the 12-kilometre course at Stromlo Forest Park, Canberra.Reigning Australian cross country champion Martin Dent topped gruelling competition in a winning time of 35 minutes, 50 seconds.Birmingham crossed the line in 36.18.World University cross country silver medallist Liam Adams took the lead early before a classic battle erupted between Birmingham, Dent and Queenslander Michael Shelley, who finished runner-up to Birmingham over 5000 metres in Hobart last week.Birmingham's selection chances are boosted by the unavailability of Dent for the World Cross Country Championship in Jordan next month.The Eureka Olympian won the 12km trial last year before going on to represent Australia in Edinburgh, Scotland.Wendouree youngster Ash Watson finished 14th with a time of 39.14 in his first Australian open-age trial.Coach Rod Griffin said his charge was satisfied with the effort.Watson represented Australia in the World Under-20 Cross Country Championship last year.