AUSTRALIAN cricket fans will see a new model Brett Lee this summer, as the Test match tearaway tries to clip his own wings.
Lee is working on becoming a more patient, accurate and consistent bowler in a bid to improve his Test record, which has not done justice to his effort and talent.
In the past five years, Lee has averaged about 39 runs a Test wicket. And after a long chat with former Australian captain Mark Taylor, Lee has decided to tighten up his line and length.
"In the last two net sessions here I have not tried to bowl a yorker or a bumper," Lee said at the Gabba yesterday.
"I have basically just tried to hit the top of off stump. It is about drilling it into your brain. Then when you bowl a yorker or a bouncer it becomes a shock ball.
"I am pretty excited with the plans I have got.
"It is time to become a lot more of a patient bowler."
Lee will next week chat with another Test captain, Steve Waugh, who has expressed concern about Lee's figures.
Lee's best Test return, 5-47, came on debut against India six years ago.
"He is getting 2-100 when there is times when he is bowling well enough to get 4-60," Waugh said. "He just needs some slight modifications."