Missing World Cup was a blessing, says Australia's Lee

SYDNEY, May 17 (Reuters) Australia fast bowler Brett Lee believes his forced withdrawal from the World Cup could prove a blessing disguise by extending his career.

Lee was forced to pull out of the tournament after seriously injuring his ankle during a warm-up series in New Zealand in February.

He underwent surgery to repair the damage and had to watch on television as Australia won their fourth World Cup in the Barbados final on April 28.

''Initially it took me a while to get over the disappointment of missing the World Cup,'' Lee told reporters in Australia.

''Once I pushed that aside, I definitely know that this is going to help me long term.

''I see it putting another year and a half hopefully on my career.'' Lee was a key member of the Australian team that won the 2003 World Cup and said his enforced layoff had provided him with the motivation to play on until the 2011 tournament, to be co-hosted by India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

''Having a bit of a layoff is good for the body,'' he said.

''It gives a chance for my muscles and bones to relax and get a bit of time off.

''Although I'm 30 I still feel like I'm 27 as far as bowling age.

The body still feels really young.

''Now it's full steam ahead. I want to be the fittest I've ever been, and there's no reason why I can't be.'' REUTERS SAM PM1335