Ireland look to Lee for World Cup seam lift
FORMER Australia seamer Brett Lee has agreed a short-term contract to coach Ireland’s bowlers during their pre-World Cup training camp in Sydney.
The two-time World Cup winner retired from all forms of cricket last month after claiming 310 Test and 380 one-day international (ODI) wickets for his country.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our bowlers to learn from a living legend,” said Ireland head coach Phil Simmons, whose side play World Cup warm-up matches against Scotland and Bangladesh on Tuesday and Thursday respectively.
“Brett’s insight of Australian pitches will help our bowlers. I am sure they will all benefit from the experience he has accumulated, especially in the pressure situations of a global event.”
England Lions, meanwhile, lost the fifth unofficial ODI with South Africa A by 78 runs in Benoni yesterday, but still finished the series victorious after recording a 3-1 win.
Yorkshire’s Jack Brooks took three wickets as the hosts posted 287-6 from their 50 overs, while Jonny Bairstow and Samit Patel hit half-centuries before the tourists were routed for 209.