Lee bats for England, South Africa, but Oz not far behind in T20 W

New Delhi, Aug 21 (UNI) Pitting England and host South Africa as the favourites to win next month's Twenty20 World Cup, Australian speedster Bre Lee said Despite the Aussie's lack of experience in the new version of the game, they stand in with a good chance to lift the trophy in the inaugural edition.

''Twenty20 World Cup is serious cricket because its a World Championship. South Africa and England are the favourites to win the trophy as they are more experienced and moreover they have adapted themselves to the game,'' Lee said.

''We (Australia) are less experienced side in Twenty20, but still have a good chance of adding to the tally of our World Champions title because we have great depth, amazing squad and a innovative new coach in Tim Nielsen.

''Hopefully we can maintain our winning streak,'' Lee added on the sidelines of a Timex launch programme in the capital today.

However, the 31-year-old Aussie pacer was quick to point that his team's success in Twenty20 World Cup would depend upon how soon they can acclimatise themselves with the nascent version of the game.

''We (Australia) have to make sure that we learn fast. Twenty20 is no different, its a game of cricket only,'' said Lee, who is also popularly known as 'Bing Lee', named after a Chinese electrical store.

''In Twenty20 we are using the same ball, same bat, same field, so its no different. We just need to adapt as quickly as possible.'' Lee, who missed the Caribbean World Cup earlier this year due to injury, was of the view that the new version of the game should be kept seperate from ODIs and Test cricket.

''Twenty20 is great but don't compare it with the other versions.

As long as ODI, Test and Twenty20 are kept seperate, it is good for the game,'' he said.

The Aussie pace spearhead was, however, sympathetic towards his fellow paceman, claming the new format as ''harsh'' for bowlers as it is more ''batsman friendly''.

''It is pretty hard for bowlers. 40 runs in four overs may be expensive in ODIs but its a decent figure for Twenty20,'' Lee explained.

When questioned about his view on the multi million dollar Indian Cricket League (ICL), the Timex Brand Ambassador said, ''I dont have a problem in that. I didn't get any offers from the private league. I am happy to play for Australia.

UNI