November 19 Tuesday 2002
Lee not counting on Test recall

ADELAIDE, Australia: Brett Lee says he will be lucky to play for Australia in the second Ashes Test starting here on Thursday despite regaining the pace which frightened batsmen during his first international season. Lee joined the Australian squad here on Monday, saying he had done all he could to win an immediate recall after he was dropped from the starting eleven for the first time 11 days ago.

Lee has subsequently captured 21 wickets in two matches for New South Wales and the tearaway bowler believes he has finally recovered from the elbow surgery which sparked a sharp drop in his form last year.

But he is not banking on a recall after Andrew Bichel played a competent role in Australia's 384-run victory over England in the first Test. "It's going to be very hard to change a side that's done so well in that last Test," Lee said on Monday. "Jason (Gillespie), Glenn (McGrath) and Bich (Bichel) have done a great job, so we'll wait and see.

"But if I'm lucky enough to get that opportunity I know I'll be ready for it and my confidence is sky-high. "I'm starting to hit my straps again. It's been over 12 months since I've had my major operation and it just feels that I'm at the stage where I was two years ago with my pace."

Lee made a remarkable Test debut three summers ago, taking 42 wickets in his first seven Tests at an average of 16.07. He then underwent elbow surgery and his subsequent returns have been modest -- 47 wickets from 17 Tests at 38.55.

That led to his dumping from the Test team and selectors spared him the 12th man duties in Brisbane to enable the 26-year-old to play for NSW against Tasmania in Sydney during the first Test.

NSW will again play Tasmania this weekend, this time in Hobart, and Lee wants to play in that match if not required for the Test. But selectors have indicated the 12th man will stay with the team in Adelaide.

"If I'm made 12th man again we'll have to sit down and weigh up the options but I think it was good the last time it happened and I can't see any reason why it wouldn't be considered again," Lee said.