'I've fulfilled the goals the selectors had for me' - Lee

Brett Lee feels he is approaching a crucial stage in his career and hopes to find a place in the Australian Test team that will play against England in the most hyped Ashes series in recent memory. Dubbed by many as the most glamorous 12th man in the world, Lee was completely satisfied with his recovery from ankle surgery and hoped that his performances in the one-day series against New Zealand would boost his chances of a Test recall.

"I'm currently 28 years old and a fast bowler usually peaks around 29 or 30," he said while speaking at a shoe launch in Mumbai. "It takes time for a bowler to get back to his best after undergoing an ankle surgery and I think I have done well. I was very satisfied with my performances in New Zealand and also managed to get through 13 straight one-day games on the trot. I am feeling match fit and think I'm also approaching the best part of my career. Hopefully, good things come to those who wait."

The last time Lee played in a Test was against India at Sydney in January 2004 and he admitted that the last 14 months, when he was watching from the sidelines, were one of the toughest times he has had to endure. But he felt that he had fulfilled all the goals that the selectors had set for him and awaited a recall during the Ashes. "The selectors gave me three goals to achieve - to get my ankle in shape, to take wickets consistently and to bowl as fast as possible. I think I have managed to do them all and ended up as the highest wicket-taker for Australia in the last three one-day series."

Lee acknowledged the fact that England would be very tough to beat in the Ashes, starting at Lord's on July 21, and picked out Andrew Strauss and Andrew Flintoff as the two players who would prove pivotal. "Strauss is an awesome player and his record over the last year proves it," said Lee. "Flintoff is another hugely talented player and he is now challenging Jacques Kallis as the leading allrounder in the world."