Skipper praises Brett Lee all-round display

Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh said fast bowler Brett Lee had answered his critics with a brilliant all-round display in the drawn first Test with New Zealand on Monday.

Lee was heavily criticised after a series of poor displays on this year's Ashes tour of England but bounced back with a half-century and a five wicket haul to claim the man-of-the-match award in the first test with the Kiwis.

"He came into the game under a bit of pressure after England," Waugh said.

"There were a few people doubting whether he should have been there.

"But I thought he bowled very well, he bowled quick, he bowled outswing, batted well and his enthusiasm in the field's always great for the side."

Waugh predicted Lee would emerge as an even better player after his experiences in England.

The blond pace bowler enjoyed a meteoric start to his international career, capturing 42 wickets from his first seven Tests, but came back to earth with a thud when he took just nine Ashes wickets at an average of 55.

There were, however, extenuating circumstances.

The 25-year-old broke down during last summer's series against the West Indies with a stress fracture and only passed a fitness test just before the Ashes.

In his first match back on home soil, Lee belted 61 with the bat, one run short of his Test best, then claimed five for 67 in New Zealand's first innings.

He bowled without luck in the second, shattering Mark Richardson's stumps with a no-ball, but returned to snare the vital wicket of Chris Cairns when the all-rounder was threatening to win the match.

"He's a fantastic player to have in the side when he's playing well and his confidence is back up and he's in for a big season," Waugh said.

Mail Cricket Editor