Brett Lee set to miss child's birth due to Ashes committment

Sydney, Sep 4 (UNI) Faced with the prospect of missing the birth of his first child after committing himself for the Ashes, Aussie pacer Brett Lee says he is desperate to be with his wife on the D-day but has prepared himself to remain focused on cricket.

Lee and his wife Elizabeth are expecting their first child a day before the first Ashes Test on November 23 in Brisbane and the speedster is set to miss the occasion as he would be with the team.

The tearaway bowler said he has talked to his wife on the matter and the two have agreed to Lee being with the squad.

''Obviously the family is the most important thing and hopefully there is a way to work around both things because I would love to be there,'' Lee was quoted by the 'Courier Mail' as saying.

''You have to make sure that when the Test match starts you are totally focused ... which I will be,'' he added making it clear that he woul not seek a leave.

Lee, who is second behind skipper Ricky Ponting on the contract scale, wished had his bundle of joy arrived a little earlier, he could have been there for the birth.

''I am hoping (the baby) might come a few days early. It will be a totally new experience for both of us. Just the thought that we have created something makes it special. It is obviously going to be a very exciting time,'' he said.

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