Lee says self-belief helped him make Oz World Cup squad

BANGALORE - Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has said that only a lot of self-belief helped him to make the grade for the upcoming World Cup.

Lee, 34, said: “I think the only person who thought that I would make the World Cup was me.”

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s warm-up match against India, the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Lee, as saying: “I think most of the people, whether it’s the players or journalists or anyone back home, thought that I couldn’t come back to bowl again because I had a pretty intense arm surgery on my elbow.”

“I give massive credit to my doctor. He did a great job to allow me to bowl again. And, it’s been a lot of hard work as well, 14 to 15 months of intense hard work and a lot of rehabilitation. I am proud and honoured to wear the Australian colours,” he added.

Lee will play a key role as a strike bowler, and will also be called up to bowl tightly when the situation arises, according to skipper Ricky Ponting.

“It’s tough, but I love a challenge. As an Australian team we love challenges,” said Lee, a World Cup winner in 2003 in South Africa.

“We know what to expect here in India,” added Lee.

“Brett has been able to turn himself into a bit more of a defensive-minded bowler. He has changed his approach a bit more, probably a bit more nous,” Ponting said.

The World Cup opens on February 19 with the final on April 2. Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh are co-hosts. (ANI)