Lee's series boosts Test prospects

Brett Lee, the Player of the VB Series, hopes his brilliant one-day form and a strong start to the New Zealand tour will earn a Test recall. Lee's opening spells and 16 series wickets were major reasons for Australia's trophy-winning success and his speed worried top-order batsmen throughout the tournament.

"My long-term goal is definitely to get back into the Test team," Lee said after taking 1 for 31 in the second final against Pakistan. "I do want to play Test match cricket. Hopefully I can use these one-day matches to try and push for that selection."

Michael Kasprowicz has kept Lee out of the side for nine matches since his return from ankle surgery and will need to continue his superb 2004 form to hold his place. "It's probably the best I've ever felt," Lee said. "I've finally got my left ankle right, there's no pain there and to bowl without any pain or discomfort is the most amazing feeling."

Glenn McGrath, Lee's opening partner in the two finals, also said he was in tip-top shape and considered extending his career. "I can't remember feeling this good for years," he said. "Maybe I set my goals a bit low when I said the 2007 World Cup, I think I've got plenty of years in me yet."

Lee, who was also warned for a full toss above waist height, talked down the two similar deliveries he received from Abdul Razzaq in the first innings. "He's the type of guy that never means to bowl beamers," Lee said. "It was quite slippery out there. I looked at the footmarks and he was sliding two or three inches." Lee said the pair chatted after the game and "that's the end of it".