Brett Lee calls for Sean Abbott's inclusion in Australian World Cup squad

Brett Lee backs Sydney Sixers teammate Sean Abbott to make WC squad

Sydney, Jan 2 (IANS) Former Australian speedster Brett Lee has backed the all-round abilities of Sean Abbott, saying the New South Wales cricketer should be named in the 15-man squad for the impending Cricket World Cup.

Lavishing praise on the all-rounder, Lee noted that Abbott was the "perfect package" to be Australia's World Cup trump card.

"One, he's an awesome fielder. Two, he's got all the change-ups. He bowls fast, he swings the ball, he bowls well at the death and he can hit a long ball. Enough said. That to me is the perfect package," Lee was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald on Friday.

""He's young, he brings fitness to the team, he brings aggression, he's a terrific guy, you can't fault the bloke. If I had it my way, if I was asked to pick a bowler that should be taken for the ride and can definitely play a huge role it would be Sean Abbott."

The New South Wales pacer made a strong return to the park by claiming six wickets for 14 runs, shaking off the horror of bowling the bouncer that fatally struck Phillip Hughes on the head in a domestic match.

His inspirational form has increased the clamour for his inclusion in the World Cup squad.

"He's really appreciated how the media have got right behind him, but he doesn't want to keep reading about it. I think he wants to move on," Lee said.

"He's got some wonderful guys around him. And I think he's proven it in his cricket, cricket's been the best thing for him."

Lee said Abbott's bowling statistics back up his ability as a bowler.

"His stats are absolutely incredible, his strike rate is incredible, he's a guy who can definitely put his hand up," the retired pacer said.

"I think they might want to keep him more for Test cricket and limit how much cricket they want him to play. That World Cup campaign is a huge workload on the bowlers."