Brett Lee is much sought after here in Johannesburg, especially after running through major batting-lineups in this World Cup. He has been held responsible for giving many sleepless nights to world class batsmen.

Lee has talked about his career and his passion for bowling fast but not on the effort he puts in to bowl fast and that with accuracy.

"Bowling fast is all about rhythm and I have managed to get it through hard work," he said in a chat purely on the techniques of his ability to generate pace.

Talking about the relationship between fitness and fast bowling, Lee feels that,"One cannot bowl with rhythm unless one is fit. Your body has to respond to the demands and so I make it a point to work hard on my fitness."

Lee has opted for frequent changes to adapt to the demands of fast bowling.

"Like many youngsters wanting to bowl fast I used to have a long run up. But now I've shortened it. Those long run-ups used to be very tiring. Now I take just 21 steps from my bowling crease," he says.

Detailing the efforts that went into correcting his rhythm and strides, Lee said, "I had to work really hard to find my rhythm for the run up. Dennis Lillee helped me a lot in this.

"I was told to close my eyes and run up and bowl and explain at which stage I felt comfortable to deliver. My rhythm was based on such a study and now I know when to increase my stride as I approach the bowling line."

"Once the rhythm was in place, I could concentrate on my accuracy. Another vital aspect here is that I make sure I do not spend any extra energy by unnecessary body movements. It could affect your accuracy and rhythm," he pointed out.

Lee does not subscribe to any particilar school of thought on the art of fast bowling.

"When I was young I was told to bowl side-on and then someone suggested to bowl front-on. You land up trying everything but ultimately one has to be comfortable with your action to bowl fast. I've tried all methods but only landed up with injuries. But these are a part of growing up as a fast bowler," he remarked.

When asked on how he felt after bowling at the speed of 160.1kph here, Lee said, "I think South Africa is one place I have bowled at my fastest. It was here I clocked 157.4kph long before. I think this place helps me to bowl quick."

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Lee feels bowling fast is all about rhythm