Brett Lee was happy to pick up the additional duties of bowling mentor after Wasim Akram decided to take a break this season © AFP Enlarge
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Brett Lee, the former Australia quick, will double up as the fast-bowling spearhead-cum-bowling mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders for the forthcoming IPL season. Lee was happy to pick up the additional duties after Wasim Akram, bowling consultant at the franchise, decided to take a break this year.

According to Venky Mysore, the Knight Riders CEO, once Akram opted out, the franchise deliberated about whether to go for a new consultant or look for inside help. Mysore said the team management felt Lee was easily best suited for the mentor's job based on his vast experience as a quality international fast bowler. "It is about him taking more leadership role than anything dramatically different. He said he was honoured to take up that role," Mysore said.

The additional responsibility will not in any way have an impact on Lee's availability during the tournament and Mysore said that Lee would continue to be one of the frontline fast bowlers for the Knight Riders. 

The IPL season begins on April 3 with the Knight Riders taking on Delhi Daredevils at Eden Gardens.