Brett Lee to help with Ireland’s World Cup preparations

Australian fast-bowling legend Brett Lee will help with Ireland's World Cup preparations after agreeing a short-term deal with Cricket Ireland to act as bowling coach during the warm-up period in Sydney.

The 38-year-old retired from all forms of cricket last month following the conclusion of the Big Bash League final, where he was on a hat-trick with his final ball in the Sydney Sixers four-wicket defeat to the Perth Scorchers.

During his international career, Lee took 310 wickets in 76 Test matches, and in addition played 221 One Day Internationals , claiming 380 scalps and 25 T20 internationals, where he took 28 wickets.

Ireland head coach Phil Simmons is hoping the two times World Cup winner can pass on some of his considerable experience on to an Irish attack that will be missing Lee's former New South Wales team-mate Trent Johnston and Boyd Rankin.

“Brett Lee has a wonderful knowledge of fast bowling, and his special insight of Australian pitches will help give our bowlers further confidence ahead of their group matches.

“I’m sure all our bowlers will benefit from the experience that a two-time World Cup winner has accumulated, especially in the pressure situations of a global event.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our bowlers to learn from a living legend and one I’m sure they’ll all benefit from.”

Ireland play Randwick Petersham in a 50-over friendly on Friday before official warm-up games against Scotland on Tuesday and Bangladesh on Thursday of next week.