Right spearheads vital for beating Poms in Ashes, says Brett Lee

SYDNEY - Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has said that having the right fast bowlers to lead the Australian attack will be crucial to the home team’s chances of regaining the Ashes from England.

“It’s a pretty special feeling to have the job of leading the attack for your country,” Lee said of current spearhead Mitchell Johnson.

“I think the guys we have are great and they’re going to be really great because they are the future, but if you’re talking about the Ashes, the key areas England will target will be our spin and our quicks. We have to get that mix right,” Lee added.

“Mitchell Johnson is quick, Ben Hilfenhaus has pace and swing, Peter Siddle is quick and he hits the wicket, Dougie Bollinger is a fast left-arm bowler and then you have Shane Watson …. there’s a lot of variety there,” he added.

The Sydney Morning Herald quoted former Test wicketkeeper Steve Rixon, as saying that the most crucial aspect of picking the pace attack for next month’s Test in Brisbane was to ensure each member was fully fit.

“I’m not worried about the quality of Australia’s bowlers - they’re all quality and on their day are genuine wicket-takers - so I don’t have a problem with any of them. But I’d just want to know they’re 100 per cent fit before the Test. I’d like to see them play in two Shield matches, and not just the one,” he said. (ANI)