Lee eyeing bowling coach role if not selected in Oz World Cup squad
By ANIMonday, January 10, 2011
MELBOURNE - Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has said that he wants to lead the national team’s pace attack in the 50-over World Cup in the Indian subcontinent, but hinted that if he was overlooked by the selectors he would consider a coaching role.
Lee will make his return to international cricket in Wednesday’s Twenty20 match against England with a view to returning to Australia’s 50-over side.
The 34-year-old is the second leading wicket-taker in this season’s domestic one-day competition with 15 wickets at an average of 25, and is keen to end 14 months away from national duty.
He is in Australia’s provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup, which will be trimmed to 15 on January 19.
A squad for the upcoming seven-match ODI series against England will be announced later this week.
“I hope that I’m in it and want to lead the attack for Australia. Hopefully I can bring some experience and different blood back in the team,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Lee, as saying.
“I’m ready to play and if I’m chosen it will be great, if I don’t I’ll work out plan B,” he added.
Lee believes that with Troy Cooley quitting as Australia’s bowling coach, to lead the Centre of Excellence’s coaching panel, there could be an opening for him if he is not selected as a player.
“Potentially, but I’m still very focused on my cricket. That can come later on. What I’ve been doing with the Blues and last year at the Champions League is playing a more senior role to the younger players, which I’ve really enjoyed,” Lee said.
“‘That gives me a lot of satisfaction and keeps me young as well. Hopefully I can do a bit of that with the Australian side as well,” he added. (ANI)
