Lee has future with Australia: Nielsen

Brett Lee

Brett Lee

BRETT Lee still has a future as an Australian fast bowler according to national coach Tim Nielsen, but it's unlikely to be in Test cricket.

Lee is recovering from elbow surgery and is unsure when he will be bowling again.

He has yet to decide on his international future, and might limit himself to playing in the Indian Premier League.

Nielsen said Lee was still capable of commanding a spot in Australia's one-day side, but was at long odds to regain his place in the Test lineup, given he was 33 and had not played a Test since the Boxing Day match of 2008.

"If Brett wants to play international cricket there's no doubt he's got a massive role in our one-day side," Nielsen told AAP.

"Test cricket will be a challenge for him, he hasn't played it for 12 or 14 months now and just his body being that much older and not having that huge amount of cricket is going to be harder for him.

"But there's no doubt he's still got the quality.

"His bowling in the Champions Trophy (last year) was instrumental for us winning that major event.

"If he's keen and ready to go it won't be long before you see him back."

Lee has taken 310 wickets in 76 Tests and claimed 324 scalps in 186 one-day internationals.