Melbourne, September 04: Brett Lee is ready to redeem his so far insipid tour to England and win back his Test spot with a successful one-day international campaign against England. Lee, who was unable to make the starting XI in the Test squad, will lead the Australian attack in the one-dayers and the Champions Trophy to follow.
It has been a frustrating tour for Lee, who was set to play a leading role in Australia’s Ashes defense, but instead had to watch from the sidelines after an injury cruelly laid him low just days before the first Test.
However, in the brief burst of competitive cricket witnessed, Lee seemed to have found his groove again. He bowled just one over during the first Twenty20 game that was washed out, but reached good speeds (above 145 kmh).
“And he’s felt sharp in the nets as well, he’s been bowling quite quick,” said Michael Clarke, who will continue to be the captain for the first few one day matches.
“He’s as fit as I’ve seen him. He’s training as hard as I’ve seen him train and he’s certainly got that hunger. I’m certain Brett will have a really good one-day series.”
England captain Andrew Strauss was also bracing for a barrage from a revved-up Lee.
“I’m expecting to see the ball flying through to the keeper quite quickly,” he said.
“He’s obviously been chomping at the bit to get out on the field and play for the last two or three weeks. He’s a proven performer in international cricket and I’m sure he’ll be very motivated to do well in this series.”
—–Agencies