Brett Lee's bundle of joy arrives a week early

Sydney, Nov 17 (UNI) Brett Lee's prayers have been answered with his wife delivering the couple's first child a week before the opening Ashes Test starting November 23.

The tearaway pacer was sure to miss the birth of his child if his wife, Liz, had delivered the baby on the due date which was just a day before the first day of the Ashes opener in Brisbane.

Lee had been hoping for an early birth of the child and Lady Luck smiled on him as Preston Charles arrived early last morning. Both the mother and the baby are reportedly in good health.

The early arrival gives the dashing speedster a chance to spend a day with the newest addition to the Lee family. The Aussie pace spearhead will leave for the team camp tomorrow.

Meanwhile, reacting to the news, Australian coach John Buchanan said the birth came at just the right time.

''From Brett's point of view it's great news because Liz and the baby are doing well and the timing was perfect,'' Buchanan was quoted by the 'Herald Sun' as saying .

UNI XC PM RL DB1040