The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy is a challenge and not a formality for reigning world champions - but not Champions Trophy champions - Australia, according to speedster Brett Lee.
Despite being hot favourites for the tournament starting in England in September, Lee was adamant that it would be a challenge for Australia to win their first Champions Trophy having failed to do so in the past.
"Australia has never won the Champions Trophy ... now we have a challenge ahead of us. It starts in Holland. After that we have the Champions Trophy ... our first match is against the United States. Ricky Ponting’s gone on record saying publicly that we are looking forward to a big series," he said at a press conference after signing a contract with New Balance shoes.
Lee, a notable inclusion in Australia's 14-man squad after an ankle injury prevented him from playing any cricket in recent times, also heaped praise on India's top order - as one would on a promotional tour in New Delhi.
"Every opportunity we get to play against India is great as we get to play against Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly, who are awesome and who are the best within the top six in the world," Lee said.
"I think (VVS) Laxman is the best Indian batsman after Sachin Tendulkar but his is the most prized wicket for me and probably every Australian bowler."
Lee also spoke of the anticipation surrounding the upcoming four-Test series against India in India.
"We have won everything except a series against India. It means so much to me and everyone in the Australian team. It’s the biggest challenge for us and I am most eagerly awaiting the opportunity," he added.
"I have proved myself as a one-day bowler. Now I hope to improve my Test average," he said. Asked what else to which he was looking forward when Australia toured India in October, Lee quipped that eating a lot of butter chicken would be high on his list of priorities.