Host Stella_9msn says: ninemsn presents a Live Interview with cricketers Brett Lee. He is chatting to us today about his band 'Six & Out' and his career in cricket.
Host Stella_9msn says: Welcome back Brett!
Brett Lee says: Thank you, it's nice to be back. Obviously it's tough coming back after an injury but it's great to see that my back is feeling a lot better.
Rivendell says: Brett, Have you found it had to comeback to international cricket after your recent injury?
Brett Lee says: I've bowled twice in the last 8 weeks so I've found it tough to find some rhythm. As each day goes by I think I'll find the rhythm will slowly come back...hopefully!
Emma_Decibelle says: Brett, I have bought the Six and Out album and was very impressed with your work on "Going Away"! Have you done any more songwriting? What inspires you to write?
Brett Lee says: I just spend a lot of time by myself when I'm on tour because after each day's play you get quite a bit of free time so it allows you to write a couple of songs if needed. It's something I enjoy doing and yes I have written a couple more.
julz says: Are you going to start touring anytime soon with Six & Out?
Brett Lee says: Not at the moment, as cricket is full steam ahead right now, but keep logging on to our website and there will hopefully be dates coming up shortly. Keep referring to the website to find out the details.
Rivendell says: Brett, What response do you have for the media who suggest your rhythm isn't right since your comeback?
Brett Lee says: Pretty close to the mark I think. That would be a fair comment. the only thing that I was worried about was to make sure that my back was going to be ok. I'm sure the rhythm and the wickets will come in the near future.
melba says: Hi Brett my name is Aaron, Melbourne and I am 15 years old I am a fast bowler that has been clocked in at 129 km/h and when my action finishes my back hurts. Is that what happened to you?
Brett Lee says: Yeah that's generally what happened. Make sure you don't try to bowl too quick, it's about having good rhythm because the faster you try to bowl, the slower the ball comes out. Concentrate on his action, not sure if you're front on or side on, just make sure you get your action right - once that's right the pace will come.
brett_blues says: Hey Brett ever thought about coaching anyone?
Brett Lee says: Yes I used to coach when I was younger. It was something that I have enjoyed doing, but at the moment it's pretty tough because I don't get much spare time. Any spare time I get these days is devoted to either music or training.
youwillloosebyindia says: Brett, India is gonna be a tough tour for you all. How do you think you will go, especially with the hot conditions and the turning dead wickets? India has sooooo many good batsman you better watch out!
Brett Lee says: I think it's going to be a good tour. I've played India twice and really enjoyed bowling on their wickets because the ball tends to swing reverse a lot earlier than it does here in Australia. I find I've had a lot of success bowling with the old ball so I'm hoping that those conditions will suit me.
Brittany says: Hello there Brett, my name is Brittany and I am a 10 year old girl who loves playing cricket. I hope to one day play in the Australian girls side. Do you have any tips for me to help me become a better player? P.S. You are my favourite Australian player!
Brett Lee says: Thank you very much. Just make sure you enjoy your cricket Brittany, just have fun with your mates at school playing cricket. Aim as high as you can - there's no limits. Good luck!
Rivendell says: Brett, What is the status on your injury? Do you have limited mobility? Are you still receiving treatment?
Brett Lee says: No as from now, I'm cleared to play. Obviously I've played the last two games & touch wood, the back is doing great. I just have to maintain doing all my lower core strength work to make sure that my back is nice and strong to overcome any pressure I put on it.
EliseDeb says: Brett, how doesn't it feel to be hurled into national stardom in such a small period of time, to the point where you are the fastest bowler in the world, and now one of the most recognisable sportstars??
Brett Lee says: You know it's a huge shock first up, my life's changed dramatically over the last 12 months, but the way that I look at it, is that I'm just another cricketer playing my sport. I'm lucky enough to be playing at the highest level. I'm very proud to be part of a team that is playing so well lately.
crash says: Brett do you think you could beat Jeff Thompson's record for the fastest ball?
Brett Lee says: To be totally honest I'm not really worried about that, I think the most important thing for a fast bowler is to get his or her right line and length correct which then should lead to taking more wickets which is the most important thing. Doesn't matter how fast you bowl you've got to be able to take wickets as well. If it happens, it happens.
kez says: (Brett) I'm going to the Australia Day match. When is the best time to ask for autographs?
Brett Lee says: Maybe during the break or after the game, I tend to get out there as much as possible and sign the bats and hats for the kids so I should see you there.
Host Stella_9msn says: Brett are you the life of the party at the after match celebrations, or do you keep your cricket and music separate?
Brett Lee says: Depending on what the boys want, I tend to take my acoustic guitar with me on tour all the time so if the moods right, I might get it out and strum a few cords & have a sing along with the boys. All in good fun of course.
StephanieW-W says: When did you start your cricketing career, Brett?
Brett Lee says: At about the tender age of 8, my older brother Shane had already been playing for about 2 years and just in the back yard one day he threw me the bowl and said 'bowl to me'. That's how I started my cricket; I didn't really have a choice.
Patto says: Gooday Brett, I'm 9 years old and love bowling, what is your advice in regards to improving my pace at my age?
Brett Lee says: Once again, just make sure that your action is as close to perfect as it can be. Maybe seek some advice off your school or club coach in regards to front on or side on actions, and the key to bowling fast is don't try to bowl too fast, just let it happen. It's all about rhythm. It's all about timing, like hitting a golf ball - the harder you try and hit the ball, the slower the ball comes off.
i_luv_brett says: Was there ever a point in your [cricket] career where you didn't think that you could make it?
Brett Lee says: Good question. I think from about the age of 10 years old. I just always wanted to get the baggy green cap one day. It's really weird because I always knew deep down that it's all I ever really wanted to do. I couldn't see my life going in any other direction. There's nothing wrong with having dreams or aspirations.
Troy2986 says: What is your favourite song on your Six & Out CD?
Brett Lee says: I probably like Cyclone Sally and It's Over, and of course, Going Away - it's one that I wrote about 2 of my friends going over to London (girls!).
bretts_babes says: Brett: how do you feel about all the attention you get from people like us?
Brett Lee says: It's very flattering, sometimes it can be quite embarassing but I suppose it's being part of a elite sports team and it's because of the support out there, is why we do so well. Which is why I've never got a problem signing things for people, if possible.
Host Stella_9msn says: A sensitive question Brett, and we will understand if you refrain from answering this:
Ash12mGo_Brett says: Brett what do u think of the match fixing and how should it be dealt with if you are caught?
Brett Lee says: I think that any person who's caught match fixing should be banned totally from the game of cricket forever because I can't think of anything worse than not going out and playing for your country and giving 100%. For the last 14 years I've been wanting to play for Australia, now that I'm finally here there'd be no possibility that I'd ever want to throw a match because of all the hard work I've put in to get here...
Brett Lee says: ...and because of the people who you're representing. Your family, your friends and your country.
Gin says: Brett...I was playing pool with Funky the other day when he was in Wangaratta and had an interesting conversation about you. He say's you're a decent, down-to-earth guy. How do you keep grounded?
Brett Lee says: I've got size 13 feet, so they're very heavy - I can't get off the ground. I've got great people around me to make sure that I don't.
Rivendell says: Brett, Why do you think NSW is producing so many wonderful fast bowlers? (Where would Aus be without NSW!!!)
Brett Lee says: I think because of our country input we have a very strong country following here in NSW, and just the quality of coaching that we have in NSW through all the ranks from city to country. It's lucky that we've got these people to support us at a young age and nurture us through to the higher levels.
Emma_Decibelle says: Brett, what else do you do to pass the time when you're not playing cricket or working at Barclay's? And do you think there's any chance of Six and Out playing gigs in other states such as Victoria?
Brett Lee says: Well we hope so. We've already done 2 gigs in Melbourne. We played at a Bolle promotional funciton and then one gig at the All Star casino bar. But hoping soone or later as time permits, we can hopefully tour other states. As long as it doesn't interfere with our cricket.
lucy_locket says: Hi Brett...I was wondering if it's hard to juggle time between Six and Out and cricket?
Brett Lee says: No because Cricket is my number one thing and I think that we look at our band as; guys play golf to relax, we play music. we look at the band being a fun thing so any free chance we get, we play some music. But it never interrupts our cricket.
GaNoN says: Through the thrilling matches and the hoards of screaming fans, as well as the controversially brilliant "Six & Out", where and who would you be if you could throw all the pleasure and pain of fame behind you?
Brett Lee says: I'd probably be involved in fashion. I love clothes... keep a lookout for my fashion label coming out. It wil be called Brett Lee. It will be introduced through Barclays in Centrepoint in the next four months or so.
AngelStyle says: Do you find it hard to concentrate [playing cricket] with the crowd banging things and shouting?
Brett Lee says: No I think it's great. Personally a big crowd fires me up and it's great to see all the supporters down there. From the kids to the grandparents. If it wasn't for you guys out there, we wouldn't be what we are today.
AdoptedPoet says: Brett why do you think this project [Six & Out] has been such a success...was it just a group of guys having fun or was there a bit more planning?
Brett Lee says: Well there was certainly no planning. It just all started in the change room one night, playing at a NSW cricket match. Gavin had been playing in a band for about 15 years and it was basically his idea to start a band and after Shane basically joined playing the acoustic, Brad McNamara on the lead guitar and Richard Cheequee on vocals, they had no base player so I went and bought myself a base and taught myself, and luckily I got the spot...
oohlala_blabla says: What are the bands that have inspired you and the guys from Six & Out?
Brett Lee says: We like Green Day, the Living End and Sherbert too - our producer Garth Porter is from Sherbert and he's had a big influence on the band.
Salz_loves_cricket says: Brett; is Six & Out going to put out another album in the near future?
Brett Lee says: At the moment we're happy with one. We're just so grateful and so lucky we've got an album out. We never thought it would happen. But we'll keep our fingers crossed because we're starting to write new songs as we speak. Maybe further down the track there might be a 2nd album but at the moment one is enough.
lynny says: Brett: I think your an amazing guitarist, a brilliant singer, a phenomenol cricket player and soooooo sexy so please understand that my question is not meant to insult you; but do you think it wise to return straight to International Cricket after 8 weeks off?
Brett Lee says: Yeah, it's a pretty good question to ask. I have to make my comeback at some stage, and it's just a personal feeling - I felt that I was ready to come back so hopefully next game I'll be able to pick up a couple of wickets. & thank you for all those lovely comments.
leah says: Brett when do you think that you will finish your career and start full time with your band?
Brett Lee says: My main focus right now is to do well for Australia and I'm hoping to have quite a few more years left playing for Australia, but the band is always going to be there for us providing I can look after my back and my body.
Nicole14 says: Brett - What kind of practical jokes get played in the Australian camp? Played any yourself lately?
Brett Lee says: Last night Glenn McGrath hid my shoes and I couldn't find them, when I looked over I knew it was him because I could see him smirking. He seems to be the practical joker of the side, especially when he's not playing a match or when he's having a rest.
Gemma says: How old do you think you will be when you end your cricketing career. In our local team, the oldest member is 79 years young, and he still goes out and bats!
Brett Lee says: I can guarantee you right now that I won't be playing cricket when I'm 79, but if I make it to 35 I think I'll have done well to be a bowler to last till 35. That's my aim. (I just want to be alive at 79).
Badoody says: Brett: Do you think your slower ball is sometimes too slow? A change from 140 km/h to 90 km/h is a huge 50km drop. It may give the batsman a bit to much time?
Brett Lee says: Yeah, fair call. I've been working on a different slower ball which I'm holding a different way now so hopefully that will drop down to about 115 km/h and not be so easy to pick up. But I've been told that before too so it's good to see that you're so knowledgable.
mikey says: Brett, who were your main influences as a young cricketer? And what is your response to the people who say 'the only reason your band made it is because your a famous cricketer'??
Brett Lee says: My hero's growing up was fast bowler Alan Donald from South Africa and of course, the great Dennis Lillee. He's played a major part in my short career so far.
Pete says: Peta & Cayley would like to know whether there is alot of sibling rivalry between yourself & Shane on and off the field?
Brett Lee says: Myself and my brother Shane, and also my younger brother Grant get along very well. We're a very close family and I'm just delighted when Shane does well and visa versa in our cricket (Because we're two different players - we're not vying for the same spot).
Connie says: Did you cop much flack from "Can't Bowl, Can't Throw" and if so how did you handle it considering the controversy?
Brett Lee says: You're right, "Can't Bowl, Can't Throw" was not aimed at Scott Muller - there was no malice intended. We think hes' a fantastic cricketer. And if they've seen the film clip or read the lyrics, it's about us taking the mickey out of ourselves, through defence and growing up. It's quite embarrassing too, it's just a matter of us dealing with setbacks, which we've had in our career and getting over them. That's what the song is about.
PhunkyPhil says: Brett: What excercises do you do to keep in peak condition? And how can I stop from my back hurting when I bowl? (I bowl semi side on.)
Brett Lee says: Just do heaps of lower core strength work, so sit ups and if you can go to your nearest gym. And use a Swiss Ball, which I found was very good for me, it's helped me. If your back is hurting, you should get it checked out by your physio or at least tell your coach, so they can make sure it's not from your action. You shouldn't bowl if your back is sore, so make sure you rest it and get it right.
Troy2986 says: What was it like putting on your Baggy Green after you had worked towards it for so long?
Brett Lee says: I felt like shedding a tear but I knew I probably shouldn't do that and I was on national TV and it wouldn't look the best! Seriously though, very happy and extremely proud, and grateful that I'd been given the opportunity to represent our country, because therr's only been 383 Australian test cricketers to represent the country.
alana says: Hi Brett, I was just wondering if you have any superstitions or rituals regarding matches?
Brett Lee says: I wouldn't call it a superstition, more of a routine, but I always put on my left shoe first (you've got to put one on first, so why not the left?!)
GaNoN says: After accomplishing your dream to be a successful cricket star and dominating the music scene with "Six & Out", which other fields do you strive to succeed in?
Brett Lee says: Fashion and as I explained earlier, I work for Barclays menswear which is a suit store in Centrepoint and I'm just about to bring out my own label of clothing which will be launched at Barclays at Centrepoint in the next 4 - 6 months.
Empem says: What do you think about all the people running on the field lately, do you think there should be tougher penalties?
Brett Lee says: I think it's great that the crowd is having fun but they have to draw the line somewhere. Invading the field is not the best thing to do, we'd much rather see people come up and get autographs than rip the stumps out of the ground!
amy says: Brett, I have heard that your younger brother is also a terrific player. Do you think we will see him playing for NSW and Australia in the near future?
Brett Lee says: Grant, he is a fantastic player and he has so much ability, but the last 2 years he has retired from cricket because he's now a full time accountant and a qualified music teacher at 22. He's the person, alongside my cousin who wrote 'Going Away' off the album. He's one of those guys who can play every instrument and play it well, so if I need a hand with music, I chat to Grant.
Gin says: Brett...Is it hard to form relationships (male or female) with such a large media presence?? Do you have trouble trusting people or do you take them at face value??
Brett Lee says: I always try to treat a person the way that they treat me, but I'm very lucky that my best mate is still my mate from primary school, so he's been through everything with me, in regards to being in the media spotlight, so he knows I'm just like him. In regards to having a girlfriend, it's just too hard - I haven't got time to scratch myself, let alone have a girlfriend. Because I'm focusing on my career.
Jen says: Brett...you are doing a great job buddy, but i still am none the wiser to where i get your album?
Brett Lee says: In every good music stores and a couple of bad music stores too! Most music stores should sell it or you can log on to our website to find out more information regarding merchandise etc. The website address is sixandout.com.au thank you for all the support - we appreciate it.
Host Stella_9msn says: Last question tonight, Brett
Kirst says: Are Six and Out doing any under 18 gigs this year? Heaps of young people love Six and Out!
Brett Lee says: We actually thought about doing an under 18's gig at the Castle Hill Tavern, followed by a legal age concert after that, but unfortunately it had to be canned due to Cricket commitments, but if we get a couple of free days off from cricket, possibly between the Indian and Ashes tour, we might try and put in a couple of gigs around Sydney and Australia - a couple of them might be under age.
Host Stella_9msn says: Thanks for answering all our questions tonight Brett, its been great chatting live to you again. Ninemsn and our chatters wish you the best of success in both your chosen careers.
Brett Lee says: Thank you very much for all your support, I know myself and the rest of the Australian team really appreciate it and it's great to see young kids out there with dreams, and hopefull one day they might be able to represent this great country of ours. Enjoy your cricket. cheers.
Host Stella_9msn says: This concludes our Live Chat with Brett Lee, 22 January, 2001