NineMSN: ninemsn in association with National Youth Week presents a Live Interview with one of Australia's most inspirational young sport stars, cricketer Brett Lee. Brett, Welcome to the National Youth Week chat and to NineMSN, its wonderful to have you here with us for this great event ... national youth week.
Brett Lee: Thanks, its nice to be onboard, its a wonderful project and am glad to be involved
NineMSN: Brett, We'll go straight to the questions from our chat members now, they have waiting very patiently for your arrival.
«·Þhoeni?·»: Brett you are a sporting inspiration to our country and a perfect role model to todays youth in they can achieve anything they want. What does being an Ambassador mean to you, being an influence on the youth, and how will you be doing this, this week?
Brett Lee: I think its basically about my role can hopefully show kids that anything is achieveable. I have always wanted to represent my country
and have been lucky enough to achieve playing and representing my country
Sex©_Holdëñ_©hîk: What does Brett think the most importants thing about youth week is, and WHY?
Brett Lee: I would have to say the most important thing is to give the youth a voice its a really good chance for the young people coming through to express their ideas and show their talents
GoVics: brett, how does being a role model for young kids in high competition sport like me effect you and what is your advice for them
Brett Lee: Good question. I suppose i dont look at myself as being too much of a role model what i do look at myself doing is a person just going out there and playing sport and enjoying myself. I supose the most important thing in doing this is i'm always giving 100% and enjoy myself which is what our motto of National Youth Week is all about
Lil_Miss_Chikki: why do you feel it's important to have national youth week?
Brett Lee: I think its important, being a young kid growing up you dont get to express your ideas as much as you'd like to. Sometimes you dont get the opportunity to show how much talent you do have. And with National Youth Week, sits between 12 and 25 have really got a chance to show what they can do and i think my job as an ambassador is just to really let the kids know that they have got this view and have got this chance
nosey_rapper: How do you think all the events going on in the world today are affecting the youth?
Brett Lee: Obviously they are effecting the youth probably more so after the last 3 weeks. This is a terrible thing that has happened to the world. Unfortunately we have been subjected to go through this Its a very hard time for us all. But this is a chance for the youth to pull together and become a lot closer and things can be resolved
NullBumblebee: Brett do you really have 12 weetbix for brekky hehe? Or do you have a more regimented diet as a professional sportsman?
Brett Lee: lol, no i only eat 7 weetbix, but am trying to do 9 but as a sportsperson, its very important that you do have a healthy diet. But i live by the old saying... i'd go by everything in moderation. Just like my parents told me when growing up... like i'm sure your parents have told you growing up.
DarK_KisS: Brett, who is the one person who has inspired you to become who you have today?
Brett Lee: Its pretty hard to put down to one person. I'll choose 2 my Dad
and my brother Shane. I suppose my Dad when i was growing up never pushed me to play sport but always there to encourage me and my brother Shane, proved that you can achieve things he was the first to play for Australia. Spose, really gave me the inspiration to keep going when there have been times i've gone through a few set-backs
mitchiecooky: Do you still play with your band, Six and Out? Is that something you would like to do more often when you finish playing cricket?
Brett Lee: Yes i do. We're looking like touring when we get back from this tour. But we dont look at the band as being something to make money - we're not the next Powder Finger. Purerly an outlet for us to have fun
I've been playing bass, but might change
anisha-k: you are very close to your family. how important do you think it is for youth to have a stable support group?
Brett Lee: I think its very important. and i've been very lucky growing up, i've had the support of my family even just the little things, playing cricket on weekends, having 2 boys mum and dad made sure 1 went with Grant and 1 went with Shane and my grandparents would come and watch me.
W e were made feel special and we would all swap around
megsie_00: most people are in thischat room because of you sex symbol status and not your cricketing skills or for the fact that you are a national youth week ambassitor. Does it worry you that your looks may overshadow your proffessionalism and on and of the field?
Brett Lee: Are they sure they're in the right chat room got the right person lol
Bellyfromtheblock: Give us some insight into your character? What do you do to unwind? Tell us something secret!
Brett Lee: To unwind... firstly i always take my guitar with me on tour so every chance i get, i try and write music or play some new songs and if i get a break at home i either like to get in my car, drive down South Coast to see my parents or try and wet a line around Sydney somewhere. Don't generally catch much tho
kate4punter: Brett, how do you handle the pressures of cricket?
Brett Lee: I think as far as pressure goes i think its only what you put upon yourself. If you tell yourself there is a big game ahead and you've got to take a certain amount of runs etc then you are obviously puting too much pressure on yourself. I'm sure there are a lot of expectations from friends and people back at home for you to do well what works best for me
is if i'm out there smiling with 10 of my best mates coz its just a game
Chopped__suey: what was going through your mind when you were on your hat trick ball at the world cup?
Brett Lee: I knew what i wanted to bowl and a matter of going out there and trying to do it. Sometimes there is some luck involved and the ball just comes out right. This is the case when i notices the bail had been knocked off and time to celebrate!!!!
kate4punter: How do you handle people who call you a chucker?
Brett Lee: Most times i just laugh it off... I dont take it seriously. dont take it to heart. And at the end of the day, if people are targetting you.. You are doing ok - coz they're sitting back and taking notice
ÜÜdodgerÜÜ: How did you feel bowling the last over in the 2nd VB final and when you won the match with 2 wickets in the final over?
Brett Lee: Yeah that was obviously a great moment in my career so far. I've always wanted to be in that position to win a game for Australia and that was the right moment. With our other quicks out injured... i suppose it was time for me to step up
Nelle_7: Brett, what makes you proud to be part of the Australian cricket team?
Brett Lee: There is no better feeling walking out wearing that Baggie Green cap!!!! Each time you get to get to play for your country, its like having a 21st birthday
Blank__3383: What do u think has been the most imortant aspect of your success as not only a crickter but a sporting icon?
Brett Lee: Another good question. What has helped me, is the fact that i dont like giving in and dont like giving up easy. I have had major set backs even from the doctors saying i wont be able to play again so that's something i take pretty personal and make sure i work twice as hard and come back better than i was last time. It comes down to, the way you work at it and the way you set goals. I'm proud that i've done that so far
only21blue: Hey Brett, do you consider yourself as a Sportsman or normal person?
Brett Lee: Well from 10-6 on a match day i'm a sports person. But definately - no i'm just a normal person I like to do the things that everyone else likes to do spend time with the family and relax and enjoy the simple things in life
- hanging out with friends. Just that whhen i play sport, its on tv
Millie0571: when you bowl a ball to the opposition what do you think of??
Brett Lee: When i'm bowling i'm always trying to bowl to a plan and depending on what that plan is what type of the ball to the batsman at that stage. Its a bit like a game of chess, cricket working out the batsman and weaknesses
kate4punter: Who in your opinion, is the best batsman you have bowled too?
Brett Lee: "does in the nets count" lol because i put Steve Waugh at the top of my list but as far as a match situation goes Sachin Tendulka
HarryPot-Head: Which of the batsmen do you fear the most.
Brett Lee: Any batsman between 1 and 11
Blank__3383: Being an inspiration to so many people over the world, has this changed the way you view your self?
Brett Lee: No i dont think so I'm still the same guy who grew up at Wolongong but i'm lucky coz i get the chance to speak to young kids and give them inspiration in sporting life in general. It just gives me a chance and opportunity to deal with the youth and prove if you put your mind to it, being sport, music or school work if you can apply yourself, and do the hard work, anything is possible
DarK_KisS: Brett, what's the most embarrassing thing you've done on a cricket pitch?
Brett Lee: where do i start? I was in a rush one day, heading out to bat
we lost, 4 quick wickets which didn't give me time to get myself ready properly as i was walking out to the middle i was still getting dressed true story dont worry lol and i went to face the bowler and noticed i had 2 right handed gloves in my hand cut a long story short - called for a new pair of gloves and got caught out on the very next ball
Infinit3_Beat: Do you think Wisden was right in announcing Muralitharan 'The Greatest Bowler Ever'
Brett Lee: Um, yeah look, he's a fantastic bowler and he's achieved so much in his career so far i'm sure there are other candidates like McGrath & Warne but in their eyes, they picked him and i think he deserves it
WoodridgeFreak: brett, in you journey as a cricketer, what has been the main event in which highlighted your career?
Brett Lee: there are 2. Making my debut for Australia it was 1999 boxing day test that was a very very special moment and obviously what happened 2 weeks ago, winning the World Cup holding the trophy up in my hands it was a dream come true
Millie0571: how do you think you will go against Windies
Brett Lee: I think it is a really good challenge for us. They have a great squad and now with Brian Lara taking over as captain I think they're gonna be a big threat to us and hopefully we've played the cricked we have over the last 10 months then we'll be in a pretty good position hopefully
Nelle_7: What do you think is a strength of our generation today?
Brett Lee: I think that kids coming through are a lot smarter more technically advanced than other kids going through 20 years ago a lot more technology for kids. But still got to make sure you have the right balance between computers and sport. You have to have the healthy side as well no square eyes
Blank__3383: What is your aspect of the youth of today being under more preasure to succeed than ever before?
Brett Lee: Yeah definitely I suppose there is a lot more pressure at a younger age too to succeed. Its amatter of believing in yourself keep doing the hard yards and dont put too much pressure on yourself at the end of the day, you can only do your best
Chopped__suey: hey brett, what else do you want to achieve in your cricketing career?
Brett Lee: Oh there are lots more things i want to achieve... I mean, anything is possible. One day i would like to get a test hundred and i'd like to reach the magical 200 test wicket mark but that won't happen unless i stay dedicated to the sport
«·Þhoeni?·»: Thank you for your time tonight Brett, it was a smashing interview. Staying with the youth week theme "what's it to you" ... can you give us in your own words, what is being a youth all about to you, what is your message to them?
Brett Lee: My message to the younger generation coming through be yourself dont try and be something or someone you are not. And thank you - i have had a really good time answering these great questions. I've just slipped out of the age bracked too, have turned 26... feeling a bit old now so hopefully you guys can make me feel younger best wishes and good luck and now for winners.
NineMSN: Brett, we are lucky enough to be giving out some prizes tonight. What we would like to know is which questions you liked the best, and they'll be tonights winners.
Brett Lee: first winner is: Blank_3383 with the viewing yourself and our second winner is, Nelle_7 for the Austrlian Cricket team. Well done guys
NineMSN: Congrats To tonights winners, if you can please stay in the rooms you are in, a Guide will contact you shortly. Again, well done
Brett Lee: Congratulations
NineMSN: Thank you again, Brett. And from us here at NineMSN we wish you all the best in your up and coming match.
Brett Lee: enjoy your prizes
NineMSN: Thank you again!