Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has declared his intention to return as the Test spearhead this summer, and vowed to quit if he can’t measure up. Laughing off last year’s injury-plagued summer, Lee scoffed at talk of slowing down his bowling to prolong his international career.
Fast and faster was how Steve Waugh instructed him to bowl when he burst on to the Test scene in 1999 - and that’s the way he will roll until he retires.
In a wide-ranging interview with
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“I’ve spearheaded the Australian attack for a number of years now and that’s what I’m focused on continuing to do,” Lee said.
“It’s an absolute honour, and it’s not something I’m prepared to let go of lightly. The day that I can’t bowl quickly is the day that I’ll hang the boots up. I’m not a person who runs in and bowls 130kmph outswingers trying to catch an edge,” Lee said.
“The reason I play the game is because I love the excitement and the challenge of running in and bowling fast. It’s hard work, but I love it,” he added.
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The pain of being away from his son Preston, who turns three in December, has been testing, with long-distance phone calls a highlight for the Australian quick.
“It’s a long tour, 6 months away from home. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to getting home, especially seeing my little boy. I’m looking forward to that. I like to keep my personal life private, but I can tell you it’s tough being away,” Lee said.
The experienced 76-Test pacer revealed how Australian fast-bowling icon Dennis Lillee and his brother Shane Lee have helped him handle a tumultuous two years.
“I speak to my brother Shane a lot. He’s been a great mentor for me,” Lee said.
“Dennis Lillee is another person who helped me before I went over to the Ashes and whose advice I always value.” “And Steve Rixon is a guy I can ring up and get his advice with bat and ball.”