ABU DHABI // Brett Lee made a brief appearance on the square of Abu Dhabi's Zayed Stadium on Friday night and did enough in that short stint to suggest that a return to the Australian team in competitive action this afternoon is a strong possibility.
Tim Nielsen, the coach of the touring Australians, had suggested before the Chapal Cup clinching victory over Pakistan that his main strike bowler might be kept waiting until Thursday's Twenty20 confrontation between the two nations at Dubai Sports City to make his return.
Lee's encouraging performances in UAE net practice since he was told to abandon his duties with Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League and the fact that the five-match one-day international series has now been won suggest the comeback is imminent.
Michael Clarke, captain of the touring Australians in the absence of their normal leader Ricky Ponting, remarked: "Fingers crossed, he can play on Sunday," before adding that Lee would be a guaranteed starter on Thursday if he does not play in today's final clash of the tournament.
It makes more sense to give Lee, who is recovering from ankle surgery, a maximum of 10 overs today, rather than a maximum of four overs in a slogfest on Thursday, as the Aussies focus on this year's priority of retaining the Ashes in England in the late summer.
Lee was a key figure in the last series in England four years ago and, with bat rather than ball, almost snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for the tourists.
Clarke, who watched Lee bowling fairly quickly during the tea interval of Friday's match, added: "It's good to see Brett back. He has been an amazing cricketer for Australia. He is not far off now."
Nielsen, who makes no attempt to conceal that he already has one eye on the Ashes series and avoiding a repeat of the 2005 defeat in England, said before Friday's match: "It's good news that Brett is ready to go again.
"All the boys were glad to welcome him back into the fold."
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
WWE TLC results
Asuka won the SmackDown Women's title in a TLC triple threat with Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair
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Daniel Bryan retained the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against AJ Styles
Ronda Rousey retained the Raw Women's Championship against Nia Jax
Rey Mysterio beat Randy Orton in a chairs match
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Natalya beat Ruby Riott in a tables match
Braun Strowman beat Baron Corbin in a TLC match
Sheamus and Cesaro retained the SmackDown Tag Titles against The Usos and New Day
R-Truth and Carmella won the Mixed Match Challenge by beating Jinder Mahal and Alicia Fox
UAE cricketers abroad
Sid Jhurani is not the first cricketer from the UAE to go to the UK to try his luck.
Rameez Shahzad Played alongside Ben Stokes and Liam Plunkett in Durham while he was studying there. He also played club cricket as an overseas professional, but his time in the UK stunted his UAE career. The batsman went a decade without playing for the national team.
Yodhin Punja The seam bowler was named in the UAE’s extended World Cup squad in 2015 despite being just 15 at the time. He made his senior UAE debut aged 16, and subsequently took up a scholarship at Claremont High School in the south of England.
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