Want to play in the World Cup in India, which is special to me: Brett Lee

Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has said that next year’s World Cup in the Indian sub-continent is his focus after putting in another impressive domestic performance for New South Wales.

Lee, continuing his comeback after a six-month lay-off with an elbow injury, took 5-47 to guide the Blues to a seven-run win over Western Australia on Friday.

“I’m not playing Shield cricket, if I was going to do that I would go back and play Test cricket. The time was right for me and I possibly could have played Test cricket for another 12 months, but long-term it's going to be the best thing for me if I want to achieve my goals,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Lee, as saying.

“One is to play in the World Cup in India, which is special to me. I’ve been more than happy with what I’ve got out of Test cricket from the way I played in an amazing era with great guys,” he added.

The 33-year-old has not played any ODI for Australia since October last year.

His career has been plagued by fitness problems, ranging from a side strain and elbow surgery to a broken thumb and a forearm injury.

Earlier, chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch had confirmed that Lee remained “very much” in contention for the World Cup in February.

“He’s making really good progress and seems to be back bowling really well. We’re hoping he’ll be fully fit and roaring to go for the World Cup,” Hilditch had said.