Lee out for revenge on big-hitting Cairns

Australia are widely tipped to overwhelm New Zealand in next month's Test series but if anyone is going to lead the tourists to an upset victory it could be Chris Cairns.

The 31-year-old all-rounder, who has not played a Test this year because of a knee injury, is highly regarded by the world champion Australians, including fast bowler Brett Lee.

"I have the utmost respect for Chris Cairns," Lee said on Wednesday. "He's a fantastic cricketer and we've had a few duels over the last couple of years.

"He hit me for a massive six the last time we played them, so I'm after a bit of revenge this time."

Australia won that series 3-0 in New Zealand last year.

Lee was named on Wednesday in Australia's 12-man squad for the first Test starting in Brisbane on November 8, the quick bowler's 25th birthday.

Lee proved he had recovered from a side strain with a devastating performance for New South Wales in an interstate game over the weekend, taking five for 56 to help his team beat South Australia by 290 runs.

"The ball was really slapping into the keeper's hands and I felt very confident out there," Lee said.

Cairns, who admits his bowling has lacked rhythm since he resumed after a long layoff, intends to target Lee again with aggressive shot-making.

Cairns, who has made four Test centuries, scored 119 from 81 balls for New Zealand against Queensland President's XI on Sunday.

"That's my style," Cairns said in an interview with the Herald Sun newspaper on Wednesday. "I think they (Australia) know if I get going hopefully I can hurt them, so that is something I want to do."

Lee will be particularly keen to make an impression following a disappointing tour of England.

Australia won the Ashes series 4-1 but Lee took only nine wickets at 55.11.

"You don't have to be Einstein to work out the last tour for me was not my best," Lee said. "I knew I had to go out there and try to prove myself and take a few wickets.

"I was just out there to try to do what I've done over the last couple of seasons, play well for New South Wales."

Mail Cricket Editor