Lee will bounce back, stresses McGrath

Sydney, Jan 1 (IANS) Australian pace great Glenn McGrath has backed Brett Lee to return to form soon.

McGrath said Lee has shouldered the responsibility of leading the bowling attack since his and Warne's retirement well.

'I have got total confidence in Brett,' McGrath was quoted as saying in the Australian media.

'You saw the way he led the attack when Shane (Warne) and myself retired. I think he did an exceptional job there.'

McGrath, who retired from international cricket 12 months ago, lauded the progress of left-arm speedster Mitchell Johnson.

Johnson will lead an otherwise inexperienced pace battery including Peter Siddle and either Ben Hilfenhaus or Doug Bollinger into the final Test against South Africa starting in Sydney Saturday.

Lee will miss the match after being diagnosed with stress reaction, but his recent lack of consistent form had already provoked speculation about his place in the side.

'I'm not more sure how he is going at the moment. Obviously stress fractures in his foot is not a good thing. I know when I tried to bowl with a few ankle problems it was a nightmare and to go into a game not 100 per cent is tough work,' McGrath said.

'So hopefully Lee has a good rest, gets the problem sorted and gets fit and strong again and hopefully comes back to his best.'

McGrath was full of praise for Johnson, who has maintained his form through the Australian season.

'I think the way Mitchell Johnson has bowled this year has been sensational,' McGrath said.

'He has always had the potential and now he's got the confidence. He's done some great work this year, so hopefully the young fellows can work around him.'