Australian skipper Ricky Ponting [ Images ] believes that fast bowler Brett Lee [ Images ] could play a crucial role in his team during next year's World Cup in the Indian sub-continent.

Lee has not played any ODI for Australia [ Images ] since October last year, but returned successfully to state cricket last week by taking two wickets against Western Australia.

"Let's hope he (Lee) is ready to go. He could be a big player for us in the World Cup provided his body holds up between now and then," Fox Sports quoted Ponting, as saying. 

"Brett, Shaun Tait [ Images ] and Mitchell Johnson [ Images ] together could be key bowlers in those sub-continental conditions," he added.

Ponting further said that he is not worried by how long Lee had spent away from the game.

"Brett has always looked after his body well. I know he will be fit and strong. He was last time he came back after a layoff, but unfortunately another part of his body gave way. Still, it will be a big effort," Ponting said.

Earlier, Lee had said that his main goal is to be selected in the national squad for the World Cup.

"With my love for India [ Images ] and love for the Indian culture, the chance to play over there -- World Cup, 50-over cricket -- it's the cream of the crop as far as one-day cricket tournaments go," Lee had said.

"It would be great to be a part of that. That's what I'm aiming at -- definitely," he added.

Lee's career has been plagued by fitness problems, ranging from a side strain and elbow surgery to a broken thumb and a forearm injury.