Cricket: Lee must be enforcer against Windies, says McGrath

HOBART - Australian spearhead Glenn McGrath says tearaway Brett Lee must continue to play the role of the enforcer in the second test against the West Indies at Hobart starting today.

The speedster recorded career-best figures of 5-30 in the second innings of the opening test at the Gabba, and continued his good form last weekend in the state competition.

Lee collected 3-31 at the Sydney Cricket Ground and sent shockwaves through Queensland's run chase by removing Andrew Symonds and bowling Nathan Reardon and Chris Hartley.

The NSW paceman had been under pressure to perform, with his fine figures in one-day cricket not matched in the longer version of the game.

"It would have done wonders for his confidence. There would have been a lot of people doubting him and a lot of pressure on him," McGrath said of Lee's five-wicket haul in Brisbane.

"Plus people saying you should bowl this way or that way and sometimes you don't know what to do, but the way he bowled in Brisbane is exactly the way he has to bowl.

"Just run in and let it go fast and basically be the enforcer."

McGrath expected a similar display at Hobart, despite the Gabba pitch being better known for favouring fast bowlers than the more batsman-friendly Bellerive Oval.

The tourists are looking to rebound in the second test, after being mauled in the first by 379 runs.

McGrath felt that the West Indian top order had to fire for the visitors to be in with any chance of winning at Hobart.

"They are going to find it tough. I think their top order really has to do the job for them."

- AAP