Australians satisfied with Lee's progress despite thrashing

Sydney, June 8 (ANI): Australians remain satisfied with Brett Lee's progress since returning from a foot and ankle surgery, despite getting a good thrashing from Chris Gayle.

Few bowlers could have withstood the West Indies captain's assault, but Gayle did query Ricky Ponting's decision to persevere with Lee after his first two overs yielded an ominous 24 runs.

Lee's third over went for 27, including three sixes, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

"It was a bit surprising Brett Lee came back but the captain believes in his bowler so that was a good thing to give him the ball," Gayle said.

The Australians will be conscious of a bigger picture than the World Twenty20, and desire to have him peak for the Ashes.

"I think he is coming along nicely. He obviously got taken down a bit today but I don't think it mattered who was bowling at Chris in the sort of mood he was in," Ponting said.

Only six bowlers have conceded more runs in a Twenty20 international than Lee's 56 runs on Saturday. James Anderson and Sanath Jayasuriya hold the record for the most expensive Twenty20 figures, conceding 64 each.

More encouraging for Australia was the return to the bowling crease of Shane Watson for the first time since he succumbed to stress fractures in December. (ANI)