Nielsen backs Lee to return

Australian coach Tim Nielsen has thrown his weight behind Brett Lee’s quest to reclaim the role of bowling spearhead for the upcoming Ashes series.

Lee, who was forced from the side with a foot injury, may find it hard to break back into the side given the success of Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus in South Africa – where Australia currently leads the series 2-0.

The third Test in Cape Town will be Australia’s last Test outing before the Ashes begin in Cardiff, meaning Lee’s only chance of proving his fitness will be during the Indian Premier League – where he is restricted to four overs a match.

But Nielsen maintains the experience of Lee may be enough to earn him a spot in Australia’s Cardiff XI. “Binga is a 300 Test-wicket bowler. We’ve only got four of them in Australian history. You don’t throw the baby out with the bath water,” Nielsen said.

“He had a pretty bad foot/ankle injury and has taken a fair while to get over it. I think in his 70-odd Test matches he has shown, when he’s bowling at his best, and he’s fit physically and can be as dangerous as anybody can,” he said.

Lee will also battle with seamer Stuart Clark, who is banking on a stint with Kent to boost his selection chances, to make up part of Australia’s Ashes bowling attack.

Nielsen said Lee, and other injured senior players, deserve loyalty once they’ve returned to full fitness. “With their performances, you would hope that they are given some support and loyalty that helps them through that period,” he said.

“If Lee is fit and firing, he will be putting his hand up and the selectors will have to make a really hard decision.”