Thaindian News

Sydney, May 30 (IANS) Brett Lee believes Australian cricket is in good hands with Michael Clarke as captain and feels his predecessor Ricky Ponting still can play a major role by guiding the youngsters.

“Obviously, Michael Clarke has a great cricket brain, he’s proven that when he’s been vice captain. He’s the type of guy I think will do a terrific job for Australia,” Lee was quoted as saying in Daily Telegraph.

“It’s not like he’s been thrust into the limelight now.

“He’s had the guidance of Ricky Ponting and been vice captain for a couple of years, he knows his game very well and the guys very well.

“He’s respected by the guys so, I think he’ll do a great job — and full credit to Ricky Ponting to put his hand up to want to keep going and play cricket.

“There is no doubting his ability and I’m sure that if his mind’s in it, and he’s ready to keep going, he’ll go on to bigger and better things as far as his batting goes,” he said.

Lee, who has retired from Test cricket, wants to be part of the One-day team.

“I retired from Test cricket a few years ago now in order to prolong my One-day career, and the signs are good as far as the way I bowled during the World Cup,” Lee said.

“I was really happy with my performance there and happy with the way the body responded.

“I obviously want to play this Australian summer, I want to go to Sri Lanka in eight weeks and go to the Champions League and go to South Africa … but it’s about ticking off the little things. I’ll give myself a week or two off from training, do some light gym work and get my running up.”