Lee struggles to leave his mark against England Lions

LONDON - Australian fast bowler Brett Lee’s chances of making it to final eleven for the Ashes Test at The Oval have probably receded with his poor show against the England Lions on Saturday.

However, all rounder Shane Watson and batsman Mike Hussey have made a case for themselves by spending some valuable time in the middle, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Making a desperate but almost certainly futile bid to surge into fifth Ashes Test calculations, Lee did not make any inroads in the Lions’ top-order as he sent down four overs late in the day.

The Lions reached 0-22 at stumps on the first day of the two-day game at Canterbury after Australia had declared at 9-340 with Watson (95) and Hussey (65) the top scorers.

Playing his first game since sustaining the injury in a tour match at Worcester six weeks ago, Lee finished with the figures of 0-9 as Lions openers Stephen Moore (19) and Joe Sayers (3) survived.

The comeback quick appeared slightly down on pace and Moore cut him for successive boundaries.

Lee also copped some sledging from the crowd with one fan yelling out “”You won’t play at The Oval if you bowl like that” while another screamed “”I thought you were good?”

It came after Australian opener Watson dished out some brutal treatment to the England Lions attack.

Watson spanked 15 boundaries and a six and showing just want he can do when the shackles are released.

Watson, coming off three half centuries in the last two Tests, spoke only last week about wanting to go on and make a big triple figure score.

Skipper Ricky Ponting (45 off 61 balls) had also been in sparkling touch before he gloved a hook shot behind off Lions quick Chris Woakes.

Hussey (65) got some important time in the middle although he wasn’t back to his best while Marcus North (18) did not get the hit-out he was looking for.

Nathan Hauritz kept the Lions in the field when he compiled a patient 34 not out.

Australia rested vice-captain Michael Clarke while axed opener Phillip Hughes were left on the sidelines last night.

Swing bowler Ben Hilfenhaus received a much-needed rest after being a lion-hearted performer in the first four Ashes Tests.

Earlier, spineless England showed it had lost its heart by shielding rookie Ashes batsman Jonathan Trott from Australia in the tour match. (ANI)