We bungled Lee's case: Hilditch by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	B Lee
Event:	Australia in British Isles 2009

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DateLine: 4th July 2009

 

The CA admitted it could not handle Brett Lee properly after his divorce and the fast bowling spearhead should not have been sent to last year's tour of India.

 

The fast bowlers form slump began then, conceded Cricket Australia (CA) selection panel chief Andrew Hilditch.

 

"The situation with Brett was extremely difficult, there is no doubt about that and in hindsight I think a lot of people would have handled that differently," Hilditch was quoted as saying by the 'The Daily Telegraph'.

 

"But we are dealing with a 300-Test wicket bowler who came to India under-prepared for a lot of reasons unrelated to cricket and paid the price," he added.

 

Lee though looked to strike some form just before the first Ashes Test at Cardiff, picking up six wickets against England Lions in a tour match and thereby almost assuring himself of a place in the playing XI.

 

But prior to this 6-wicket haul, Lee was found wanting with the ball. He looked in total disarray, coping with the heartbreak of a bitter separation from his wife of two years.

 

Lee though said that all through the turmoil, he tried to remain calm and not let criticism affect him.

 

"To be perfectly honest I haven't put any pressure on myself or stressed out in any way shape or form," Lee said.

 

"Yes it wasn't great getting injured, and yes, I didn't have the best time in India but hopefully with my experience, if you haven't taken anything out of the last 10 years, well then you're not a smart cricketer," he said.

 

The fast bowler also added that he has turned more smarter now and has gained what it takes to lead the Aussie attack.

 

"The way I've played my cricket over the last two or three years, I've become a smarter bowler. I've cherished the fact that I'm playing a new role now (following McGrath's retirement).

 

"People might say I've been under pressure but I don't look at it as being that," he said.