Brett Lee must perform in one-dayers: Ponting

Australian captain Ricky Ponting has asked Brett Lee to perform well in the upcoming One-day series if he is to return to the Test side.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting has asked Brett Lee to perform well in the upcoming One-day series if he is to return to the Test side.

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Australia has a string of limited-overs games in the next three months, beginning with a
seven-match one-day series in England.

The Champions Trophy follows in South Africa, then another seven one-day matches in India in October and November.

"I spoke to him (Lee) about that once he found out that he wasn't playing in the last Test (against England)," Ponting was quoted as saying in the Australian media Wednesday.

"The Test series was out of the way and he had to focus on the shorter forms of the game. If he gets himself back bowling well, there are opportunities to get back into the Test team.

"He understands that. He's been pretty good right the way through the tour. He's obviously disappointed he didn't get to play in the Tests."

Lee missed the tour of South Africa with foot and ankle problems that required surgery.

Ponting said Lee would have played in the first Ashes Test at Cardiff after a spectacular spell of reverse-swing bowling at Worcester, but he broke down with a side strain.

"Someone like Brett needs a lot of bowling under his belt," Ponting said.

"Bowling as quickly as he does, he needs a bit of work behind him. It's hard to switch that on after a long break.