Cricket World Cup: Brett Lee backs Sean Abbott to win selection in Australia’s World Cup squad

IF there is one player former Test star Brett Lee would like to see in Australia’s World Cup squad, it’s Sean Abbott.

Cricket player Brett Lee and the Cricket World Cup trophy at North Steyne beach, Sydney. Picture Cameron Richardson

IF there is one player former Test star Brett Lee would like to see in Australia’s World Cup squad, it’s Sean Abbott.

With the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand just over a month away, each participating country has to submit their final 15-man squad for the tournament by Wednesday.

HARRIS EXPECTING WORLD CUP SNUB

Australia is spoilt for choice in the fast-bowling ranks, especially with youngsters Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc all impressing, but Lee believes Abbott offers so much more than bowling skill.

Lee has been playing alongside Abbott for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League and has been so impressed with what he’s seen from the 22-year-old.

“He’s bowling fast and well and the thing I’ve been impressed with over the last few weeks is his pace — he’s maintained it, if not got quicker,” Lee said.

Brett Lee and Sean Abbott celebrate the wicket of Nathan Rimmington of the Renegades. Photo by Mark Metcalfe.

“But what I’ve seen over the last couple of weeks playing with him at the Sixers is his change up — he’s got a wonderful change up. He’s like the complete cricketer — he smacks them at the end, so he’s classed as an all-rounder.”

Abbott has taken five wickets in five games for the Sixers and has bowled superbly at the back end of the innings.

He also took a career best 6-14 in a Sheffield Shield match for NSW against Queensland just before the start of the BBL — a wonderful performance just two weeks after the tragic death of Phillip Hughes.

Lee says it’s time for cricket to respectfully move forward from that tragedy and believes Abbott deserves to be included in the World Cup squad on merit.

“I would love to see him there, obviously after what he’s been through too,” Lee said.

“He’s obviously got to be picked on his cricketing merit and he’s done extremely well over the last couple of weeks with the Sixers.”

Brett Lee and the Cricket World Cup trophy at North Steyne. Pic: Adam Ward

With four Cricket World Cup titles, Australia is the most successful team in the history of the tournament.

And while playing at home comes with increased pressure, Lee believes Australia have the players capable of winning it a fifth time.

“Fingers crossed the boys can win it,” he said.

“We’ve definitely got the right guys, players that can go out there and play a role. Obviously you can only pick 11 players on the day, but we’ve got depth in our batting, with our keepers and then we’ve obviously got the quicks as well.”