Brett Lee advised to return to cricket as soon as possible

Sydney, Aug 23 : Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has been advised to return to cricket as soon as possible following the break-up of his two-year marriage, so that he can be available for the October tour of India.

Lee's manager, Neil Maxwell, said Australia's premier paceman needs to get back to the field quickly.

"He will need to take some stock, he'll need a couple of weeks. The plan is for him to take stock mentally and otherwise, and I have advised him he needs to get back onto the field as soon as he can," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Maxwell, as sying.

Lee, 31, issued a statement pleading for privacy on Friday after it was reported that he had separated from his wife, Liz Kemp, with whom he has a one-year-old son, Preston.

Lee will miss the three-match one-day series against Bangladesh in Darwin. Australia is unlikely to take part in the Champions Trophy tournament scheduled for Pakistan from September 12-28 due to safety concerns, so Lee will have a few weeks to regroup.

While teammates and Australian officials have offered all the support Lee needs as he battles his personal crisis, they are also well aware he will be a critical cog in their attempts to defeat the Indians on their home soil and hope he will be mentally ready for the arduous tour.

Lee is Australia's most successful sporting export in India, where he is revered with Bollywood star status. Skipping the Indian tour could harm his burgeoning business interests in the subcontinent.

--ANI