Lee fit and healthy
01/12/2008 7:44 PM
Resurgent paceman Brett Lee says his bowling performance at Adelaide Oval is proof he's overcome the effects of the stomach virus which soured the end of his tour of India.
Lee took 5-105 on the fourth and final day of the second Test against New Zealand and finished with match figures of 9-171. Just as pleasing was his ability to keep his pace at 140 kilometres and above for sustained spells.
The New South Welsh quick, who was put on an intravenous drip after the final test against India, lost weight through the illness and said this had affected his bowling.
"It only feels now, over the last couple of weeks, that the strength has come back and the results show that in terms of pace and wickets," he said.
"I've been improving every match and that goes down to strength I think. I have had great preparation prior to this test match."
Lee said he can improve even more before the South Africa series begins.
"I think the next couple of weeks are going to do me a lot of good I think, being back in the gym, having a great strength program, putting back the kilos that I've lost," he said.
Another pleasing aspect of his bowling was his reverse swing with the old ball. Lee said he's had similar success in past tests in Adelaide but is always happy to see his deliveries duck back against the right handers.
But never totally satisfied with his performance, Lee said he'll continue tinkering with his game.
"I'm only 32 so there's things I'm still learning about the old ball and the new ball," he said.