Lee turns to Lillee for help

Brett Lee has enlisted the help of Dennis Lillee as he attempts to overcome a "tough little period" in his career.

In the absence of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, Lee had been expected to spearhead Australia's bowling in the recent Test series against India. But he managed just eight wickets in two matches, and suffered the humiliation of being hit for 201 runs in a single innings at Sydney.

He was subsequently overlooked for the VB Series, and watched from the sidelines as his replacement Brad Williams bowled Australia to victory over Zimbabwe on Sunday.

"People are asking questions about my pace, about no-balls and the fact that I've been hit for a lot of runs in these past two Tests," said Lee, who bowled 37 no-balls in Melbourne and Sydney. "Bowling 18 no-balls in an innings is unacceptable, there is no excuse. I hope Dennis can help me solve the problem."

Lillee, whose fast-bowling academy in Chennai has helped to transform India's fortunes, believes Lee's problems may stem from the fact Australia does not have a bowling coach, unlike both its rivals in the current one-day series. Australia's former left-arm seamer Bruce Reid is working with both India and Zimbabwe.

Lee flew Lillee from Perth to Sydney after last week's fourth Test to work with him at a training session. Apart from injuries and the occasional spell on the sidelines, Lee has been a regular in the Australia side since his debut against India four years ago. He has since developed into an intimidating, if unreliable, back-up to McGrath and Jason Gillespie, but is finding the next step up a hard one to take.