Australian speedster Brett Lee on Thursday vowed that he would take part in the ICC Champions Trophy in India to be held in October-November while insisting since this tournament came first it was more important for him rather than the subsequent Ashes series at home.
"What's coming first? The Champions Trophy and then the Ashes. Of course I will be there (for the ICC event)," said Lee, when asked which of the two events did he consider as more important.
Lee, thus, sang a different tune to his Vice-Captain Adam Gilchrist, who has urged the Australian selectors to rest key players during the biennial ICC event in order to keep them fresh for the ashes in the southern summer.
But Lee, among the fastest bowlers in the world, also showed his keenness in winning back the ashes from England.
"The Ashes have been snatched from us for the first time in 18 years. We will do everything in our power to make sure we win those ashes back," the new South Welshman, who conducted a bowling clinic for children in suburban Andheri, said.
Lee felt it was going to be a tough task to win back the coveted urn from England's grasp down under.
"It will take a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication. We need to play great cricket like the way we have been playing over the last four months - at the right time, on the right day and on the right occasion - to get the Ashes back," he said.