Lee should be back for India tour: Maxwell

Mumbai: Australia’s spearhead Brett Lee has been advised to return to cricket as soon as possible following the break-up of his two-year marriage in order to be available for Australia’s all-important tour of India in October.

Lee's manager, Neil Maxwell, a close friend, has told the express fast bowler to return to action as soon as possible.

"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,” Maxwell was quoted as saying in Sydney Morning Herald.

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

"We have been caught by surprise as to how quickly our situation has become public," Lee said. "It is with regret that I confirm today's media reports are correct and that Liz and I have decided to separate.

"Given the personal nature of the matter I ask that you please respect our privacy as we attempt to deal with this sensitive situation."

Lee will miss the three-match one-day series against Bangladesh in Darwin. Tasmanian bowler Brett Geeves has been called up in his place.

The Indian Test series is hugely important for the No.1-ranked Australians, particular after the bitter series between the two teams last summer and India's continued boasting that Australia's long-running domination is coming to an end.

It has been proposed that Australia fly to India earlier if they don't play in the trophy, to better acclimatise to Indian conditions. The first Test is to be held on October9 in Bangalore but they will play a warm-up match on October2.

Geeves was ecstatic with his selection, but also expressed sympathy for Lee.

"I am like everyone else in Australia and just want to see Brett back as soon as possible, he is a very important member of the side," he said.