There weren’t too many bright spots for Australian cricket in 2005 – but the return to form of Brett Lee was certainly one of them. Battling injury and indifferent test form since his explosive 5 wicket debut against India 5 years ago, Lee came of age in 2005. He was one of the few Australians to come away from the Ashes defeat unconcerned about his overall performance; his 5-30 against the Windies at the Gabba in November shows the 29-year-old fast bowler is now a consistent threat.
Any superstitions?
I always used to put my straps on the outside of my pads when batting. They’re meant to be worn on the inside because it sounds like a nick if you flick them. But on the final morning at Edgbaston, I put ‘em on the inside. I thought: “Well, we’re not doing any good here so I’ll try something different.”
What else do you do fast? Drive fast? Eat fast?
When I play tennis I have to hit the ball hard. When I play golf I swing as hard as I can. I’m what my younger brother calls an extremist. I’m either not going for a run at all or I’m going for a 10-15 kay run.
How many Weet-Bix do you do?
I do 7 in the morning. I used to use bowls that could only fit 7, but I’m working my way up to 9.
You’re getting dangerously into all-rounder territory, aren’t you?
I’m humbled that you would say that, but I am working on my batting a lot, because I know it’s important these days that you’re not just a bowler.
Do you have a Test century in you?
I would love to think so. That would definitely be a huge goal to achieve. A lot of people say it must’ve been to bowl 160 kays, but I’d definitely give that back to take 5 wickets or to score a hundred. I’m just not sure when. But I’ll give it a go.
Have you bowled your fastest ball yet?
Hopefully I’ve still got more in the tank. One of the fastest balls that I bowled was in 1999 when I broke onto the scene playing for NSW at the WACA. There was no speed gun, but it felt like it all happened. During the World Cup (2003), I bowled my 2nd fastest, which was 160.7 km/h, and in a one-dayer in NZ (2005), I bowled 160.8 kays, so as each year’s gone on the pace has increased. I’m not sure how long that can last for but if I stay nice and fit, nice and patient, I’ll keep going faster.
Who’s the hardest bloke to get out in world cricket?
Probably Brian Lara or Sachin Tendulkar: two guys that have an amazing technique, an amazing eye. You’ve got to treat them like a normal batsman and realise that it only takes one ball to get a person out.
At a party are you the bloke cracking jokes or laughing at other people’s?
A bit of both. Sometimes I’ll sit back and watch what’s going on, and other times I’ll be right involved.
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
I’ve got about 40 pairs at home, but I’ve just given away 20 pairs to St Vincent De Paul. They were a sitting in my shed so I thought I could give ‘em to someone who could make more use of them.
Hip-hop, pop, country or rock?
Everything but hip-hop and that’s no disrespect to hip-hop artists. [I like] anything from rock to classical to old ‘60’s stuff. I just like music generally.
How’s your band, Six and Out?
It’s going all right. We do about 3 charity gigs per year as a minimum, and we did a gig last year for the children’s cancer charity – that was great.
Last concert you attended?
Robbie Williams in Brisbane.
Where do you go to get away from it all?
My music studio to write songs or play music. I’ve got a bunch of mates that are really good musicians and I enjoy spending time with them. Either that or go fishing.
Your last big indulgent purchase?
A black Bosendorfer grand piano. It was the first thing I bought for my house. I play it, but I bought it more for the whole look of it. There’s nothing like walking into a house that’s got a grand piano. It makes you feel welcome and comfortable because music creates a lot of love in the household, a lot of warmth.
Your most prized possession?
The baggy green cap Ian Meckiff presented me for my first test against India on Boxing Day 1999. And my Maton guitar. I’ve had it signed by Bernard Fanning from Powderfinger, Mark Lizotte (Diesel), Phil Burton from Human Nature, Neil Finn from Crowded House and Golden Guitar winner Travis Collins.
You turn the key and the car doesn’t start. What do you do?
I make sure I’ve got it in the right gear. Then I pull the key out, put it in again and try that 2 or 3 times. If that doesn’t work, I panic.
Your first car?
A Daewoo Cielo
And now you drive?
Volkswagon Touareg. It’s the best car I’ve ever driven. It’s spacious yet it drives like a normal car. Other 4-wheel-drives are like driving one of those cricket rollers.
When you watch the cricket on TV, do you listen to ABC radio or the Nine commentary?
I don’t watch much TV.
There’s no show you ever miss?
I like Australia’s Funniest Home Videos.
Australian Idol or 60 Minutes?
Sixty Minutes because you can learn something. I enjoy Australian Idol but haven’t watched a lot of it. When I go to my brother’s house, Shane’s glued to Australian Idol. He loves it.
Favourite film?
A toss up between The Shawshank Redemption and Happy Gilmore. I’d probably go for Shawshank because the acting is second to none. It’s a quality film that gets you in. You don’t realise that from the start he’s actually chipping away and making this hole that’s gonna lead to his escape. That’s perseverance, being patient and that’s what sport and life’s all about.
Casino, pokies or horses?
None of the above. I have played a bit, but why gamble with something you’ve worked so hard to get.
Angelina, Beyonce or …?
My Girlfriend.
Tea or coffee?
Probably tea. White with one.
Last time you ironed a shirt?
This morning. I iron every day. That’s the 10 years working in a menswear store.
Last book you read?
I’m in the process of reading Steve Waugh’s [autobiography]. It’s very good.
Complete the sentence, “It ain’t over ‘til…”
…they close the lid.