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6 Dec 2004, 17:35
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Lee eyes return to Test side
December 6, 2004
FAST bowler Brett Lee was so excited to be back representing Australia last night that all he wanted to do was land his first ball on the pitch.
He failed, bowling a full toss to Stephen Fleming.
But the second ball had the Kiwi skipper on his way back to the pavilion for a duck, after he was adjudged lbw.
"I just wanted to try to land the first couple," Lee said.
"I've worked really hard to get back in the green and gold, so I was really happy to be out there.
"I wasn't nervous, I was pretty much more excited. I found it very hard to sleep on Saturday night ... but it was great to be out and playing for Australia again."
Despite Australia falling behind 1-0 to the Kiwis in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day series at the Telstra Dome, Lee's return to the international stage was a huge success.
He took 2-40 off eight overs, but it was his pace - which regularly topped 150km/h - and accuracy that really captured the eye.
Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said Lee's performance was encouraging and described his speed and control as "exciting to watch".
Lee is hoping to use the three-match series as a springboard back into the Test side, for the first time since last summer's final clash against India in Sydney.
"I did a pretty good job last night ... hopefully (I can) do well on Wednesday night, but my most important aim is to get back in the Test team right now," he said.
While Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie were rested last night, and Michael Kasprowicz is set to miss Wednesday night's second game, Lee hopes he won't be forced to sit out any games.
"I wouldn't want to be rotated but if that's the best thing for the Australian cricket team and the best thing for my own longevity then I'll be happy to do it," Lee said.
"But I've been out of the Australian team for a long time now so looking forward to getting back in and playing as much cricket as possible.
"If I can do well over the next two one-day matches hopefully I can be in for Perth for the Test match, but we'll have to wait and see.
"(I'm) not trying to put any pressure upon myself. I'm just trying to go out there and do the very best that I can."
AAP
Print this report
Subscribe to Sportsmail
Lee eyes return to Test side
December 6, 2004
FAST bowler Brett Lee was so excited to be back representing Australia last night that all he wanted to do was land his first ball on the pitch.
He failed, bowling a full toss to Stephen Fleming.
But the second ball had the Kiwi skipper on his way back to the pavilion for a duck, after he was adjudged lbw.
"I just wanted to try to land the first couple," Lee said.
"I've worked really hard to get back in the green and gold, so I was really happy to be out there.
"I wasn't nervous, I was pretty much more excited. I found it very hard to sleep on Saturday night ... but it was great to be out and playing for Australia again."
Despite Australia falling behind 1-0 to the Kiwis in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day series at the Telstra Dome, Lee's return to the international stage was a huge success.
He took 2-40 off eight overs, but it was his pace - which regularly topped 150km/h - and accuracy that really captured the eye.
Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said Lee's performance was encouraging and described his speed and control as "exciting to watch".
Lee is hoping to use the three-match series as a springboard back into the Test side, for the first time since last summer's final clash against India in Sydney.
"I did a pretty good job last night ... hopefully (I can) do well on Wednesday night, but my most important aim is to get back in the Test team right now," he said.
While Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie were rested last night, and Michael Kasprowicz is set to miss Wednesday night's second game, Lee hopes he won't be forced to sit out any games.
"I wouldn't want to be rotated but if that's the best thing for the Australian cricket team and the best thing for my own longevity then I'll be happy to do it," Lee said.
"But I've been out of the Australian team for a long time now so looking forward to getting back in and playing as much cricket as possible.
"If I can do well over the next two one-day matches hopefully I can be in for Perth for the Test match, but we'll have to wait and see.
"(I'm) not trying to put any pressure upon myself. I'm just trying to go out there and do the very best that I can."
AAP