Nielsen happy with Lee's progress
The final word on Australian fast bowler Brett Lee may not be out, but coach Tim Nielsen said Lee was progressing well over the course of the ongoing series against Pakistan
Cricinfo staff
29-Apr-2009
Brett Lee: "Do I want to get back to that number one spot? Definitely." • AFP
Australian coach Tim Nielsen has hinted that fast bowler Brett Lee may be fit in time for the lone Twenty international against Pakistan, though he ruled out the possibility of Lee playing a part in the two remaining ODIs in the series.
"He [Lee] bowled in the nets but we will not play him on Friday," Nielsen told AFP. "If he continues to progress well, we may consider him for the Twenty20 match."
The 32-year-old, who has been absent from international cricket after an injury sustained last year during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa, has been progressing well towards full fitness after ankle surgery in January.
He arrived in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and trained with the Australian squad the following day. Australian team doctor Trefor James said Lee would be monitored and may be considered for selection later on during the series.
Lee hoped to be at his best in time for the Ashes, and wanted to lead the bowling attack against England in two months' time. "I am really close (to full fitness)," he said. "The main aim here is the Ashes, with all due respect to all other cricket. If I'm back to my best, which I hope to be doing, I don't see a problem at all [in being selected]. Hopefully, my 10-year-career... will speak for itself, provided I am fit, of course."
"I'll be trying my best to be a team leader. Do I want to get back to that number one spot? Definitely. Yeah, I'm 32, but there's no reason why I can't bowl faster. I'm the fittest I've been in a long, long time, provided the ankle holds up,"
Australia lead Pakistan 2-1 in the five-match ODI series, with the two remaining games to be played in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Sunday. Dubai will be hosting the lone Twenty20 international on May 7.