Lee may still get county deal

Brett Lee could still appear in county cricket this summer, ahead of the Ashes series, despite John Buchanan's call for all his players to have a break before the trip to England. Cricket Australia (CA) could make an exception for Lee, who has not played any first-class cricket during the Australian season, and is currently kicking his heels in New Zealand.

"Each situation will be looked at on a case-by-case basis," Peter Young, CA's public affairs officer, told The Sun Herald. "If Brett comes to us with a proposal we'll talk it through and work out what's best for him and the team. Brett's circumstances are very unusual in that he hasn't played first-class cricket for a hell of a long while."

Lee was 12th man throughout the Test summer in Australia, and has been left out in favour of Michael Kasprowicz for the first two Tests in New Zealand, despite being in prolific form in one-day cricket. Lee is reported to have been approached by four county sides - Worcestershire, Leicestershire, Surrey and Middlesex - and would be available until early June, when Australia begin their preparations for the Natwest Series.

Mark Waugh, Lee's former New South Wales team mate, believes a stint in county cricket is just what he needs. "Brett and his manager, Neil Maxwell, have made it clear they are looking for a county contract for a couple of months before the Ashes," Waugh told the Sun Herald. "It makes sense to get match practice, and in English conditions. Any county team would jump at the chance to have a world-class bowler like Brett turn up in their club colours. I hope Cricket Australia will see the light and realise the benefits of Brett playing some first-class cricket before the Ashes tour. I can't believe it would see any risk of injury or burn-out. Let him warm up in county cricket, then you'll see him rip the English apart."