Harris will be happy to step aside for fully-fit Lee

St.LUCIA - Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris has said that he will happily stand aside for a fully-fit Brett Lee.

Harris, who has been called up as a replacement for injured Lee, said prior to the team selection for the Twenty20 World Cup, he was clear that Lee deserved his spot in the Australian team.

“I knew if Brett was going to be fit, I knew he would go in front of me (in the World Cup squad). Brett Lee is a champion bowler, and has been for some time so I am happy to step aside and for him to take my spot - he deserves his spot,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Harris, as saying.

Harris admitted he did not expect to be flying out to the Caribbean instead of fellow fast bowler Doug Bollinger.

“I didn’t, actually. Well, I wasn’t sure. I spent a bit of time with Dougy over at the Indian Premier League (IPL) and watched him play - he is bowling really well. In those sorts of situations you hope that you do get the nod and luckily I have,” Harris said.

The 30-year-old is further expressed confidence in Lee forcing his way back into the national one-day side for the July tour against Pakistan in England.

“I think they will, absolutely. Any talk of him retiring from all forms is very premature. I don’t think you could rule him out,” Harris said.

“He has had a bad trot. Hopefully he will get over that and come out on the England tour and our summer. He will bounce back. He’s a champion athlete,” he added. (ANI)