Cricket: Speedster's form bad news for NZ

By RICHARD BOOCK

ADELAIDE - Brett Lee believes he is close to the form that catapulted him to stardom only a couple of years ago.

The New South Wales tearaway served notice to the New Zealanders of his return with a five-wicket bag in the first test, and is anxious to improve on that performance when the second starts in Hobart on Thursday.

"I feel better than ever, certainly the fittest I've felt for a long time," he said. "The ball's coming out of my hand great and I think I'm back to how I felt when I was just starting out."

The 25-year-old made a mercurial start to his test career in the 1999-2000 summer, capturing a remarkable 42 wickets in his first seven tests, and announcing himself as one of the most exciting talents in the world.

But a couple of injuries suddenly made him appear less threatening, and he was to snare just 10 wickets in his next five outings.

It was not until Lee started winding the speed-ball radar up past the 150 km/h mark at Brisbane last week that it became clear he had recaptured some of his best form, although he says the speed came from relaxing rather than trying to force the pace.

"I just felt like I was doing it very easy," he said. "I wasn't even trying to bowl quick and I was in the 150 km/h range. I just felt very comfortable."

He was physically fit during the Ashes series in England, but not match fit.

"There's a huge difference. It affected my rhythm and I was bowling either too short or too full."

Australian captain Steve Waugh admitted that Lee had been under pressure to retain his place in the test line-up, but warned that the blond speedster was now ready to return with a vengeance.

"His confidence is back up and he is in for a big season," said Waugh. "He came into the first test under a bit of pressure after England and there were a few people doubting whether he should have been there.

"I thought he bowled quick, bowled outswing and batted well - and his enthusiasm in the field is always good for the side.

"He's a fantastic player to have when he's going well."