Lee defends Tendulkar

Dubai: Brett Lee, the Australian express bowler, does not quite agree with their former great Ian Chappell's assessment of Sachin Tendulkar.

"Somebody like him (Tendulkar) is great for the game...he is a true champion. I am sure he will bounce back," says Lee, who has been forced to skip the ongoing World Cup at the last minute due an ankle injury.

The master batsman, under fire after India were knocked out of the showpiece, found an unexpected ally in Lee.

"He's an amazing person, very competitive. You may beat batsmen like him or Lara a few times outside the off stump but they will find the way to ease the pressure soon," said Lee, now in Dubai for the shooting of the next edition of the Chevrolet Cricket Show.

For somebody who played a big hand in Australia's winning a back-to-back World Cup in 2003 with 22 wickets, disappointment at missing out on this one would be only natural.

Bigger role

Lee, however, tried to put things in perspective - in a typically pragmatic Australian manner - even as he prepared for a bigger role in his team's future once their golden generation slowly moves out.

"Yes, it is heartbreaking. The World Cup comes every four years and it's every cricketer's dream to shine in the biggest stage of the game. However, in the greater interest of my career, such a step was necessary," said the fast bowler, who is going to have ankle surgery soon.

If all goes well, Lee is planning forward to make a comeback with the 20-20 World Cup in South Africa and the series in India. Rather than renewing his rivalry to break the speed barrier with a Shoaib Akhtar or Shane Bond, the 30-year-old from New South Wales is envisaging a new role for himself.

Mentor's role

"It would have been nice to be bowling with Glenn (McGrath) in his last tournament. He had been something like a mentor for me. Now once he moves on, it would be my responsibility to guide the youngsters like Michael Johnson, Shane Watson or Shaun Tait," said the Australian.

While a commercial commitment may have brought him to Dubai, it's obvious that his heart is very much where the action is.

"I have been texting Ponting, Gilchrist and also wished McGrath when he became the highest wicket-taker in the World Cup few days back. The boys say they are missing me...," Lee was beginning to trail off.

While his team has looked good in their campaign so far for a shot at the third crown in a row, there is this 'big' one coming up against England, come Sunday.

Asked for a tip, Lee shot back: "It's going to be a cracker of a match. It's a kind of love-hate game for us, both sides love to win it as much as they hate to lose it!"