Waugh predicts Lee will bounce back

Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh has predicted fast bowler Brett Lee would emerge as a better player after his disappointing Ashes tour of England.

Lee enjoyed a meteoric start to his international career, capturing 42 wickets from his first seven Tests, but crashed back to Earth when he took just nine Ashes wickets at an average of 55.

But Waugh, who persisted with Lee during the Ashes despite his poor form, said he expected the 25-year-old paceman to bounce back in the first Test against New Zealand starting on Thursday.

"He'll be nervous coming into the Test but he is a great talent and if he gets it right he will trouble New Zealand in the same way he did 18 months ago," Waugh said.

"It is a good challenge for him and something every player needs."

Lee was Australia's leading wicket taker on last year's tour of New Zealand, with 20 wickets at 17.50 but broke down during last summer's series against the West Indies with a stress fracture.

He passed a fitness Test just before the Ashes series but was unable to rediscover his best form, conceding 85 runs from 10 overs in his comeback match.

"In some ways it is good to have a bit of leveller and to assess your game and go back to basics," Waugh said.

"It will be good for him and he will come back better for it."

Mail Cricket Editor