Lee disappointed over Chappell's departure

Bangalore, Apr 12 (UNI) Australian speed king Brett Lee today expressed disappointment over the way fellow Aussie Greg Chappell had to resign Team India's coach.

''It was most disappointing that a great cricketer like Chappell left on a bitter note following Team India's ouster from the World Cup,'' he said.

Speaking to newspersons after visting 'The Time Factory' as Timex Brand Ambassador, he said sitting out of the game's showcase event owing to injury was disappointing for him. ''It is very very hard to watch the matches, sitting outside.'' West Indies Captain Brian Lara announcing his retirment from ODIs was another disappointment as he was a great batsman like Sachin Tendulkar, he added.

To a question, Lee said he was not looking forward to lead the Australian team as Ricky Ponting was doing a good job and he was not keen on shouldering the additional burden. ''I am satisfied with Ponting and he is doing a great job. I will rather concentrate on my performance and say no to captaincy.'' The speedster also exuded confidence that Australia would retain the World Cup for the third consecutive time.

He said it had become a practice to question a team's motivation and seriousness when it failed, especially in the World Cup. It had happened to Australia and now similar questions were being posed in India too. Australia had learnt lessons from its failures and have become a strong team, he asserted.

About Bangladesh and Ireland making a mark in the World Cup, he said, ''It was really a great achievement by the two teams, termed as minnows. It was good that new teams were putting up better performances,'' he added.

UNI