Admitting that Australia wastotally outplayed by India in the recently concluded Test series, former Aussiepacer Brett Lee Friday said Australians have a tough job at hand in theupcoming Ashes series.
"Australians haven't played their best cricket. In fact, we were totallyoutplayed. It is not great for Australian cricket," said Lee, who playsfor the city's IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.
The pacer also credited India for intelligently using the conditions during thehome Test series in which they drubbed the Australians 4-0.
"For the Ashes I think we must acknowledge that the players have a lot ofwork to do. The players will have to really play well. However, the good thingis that the conditions in England will suit us," said Lee.
The pace spearhead, however, refused to predict the outcome of the five-Testseries against traditional rivalS England which begins July 10 at Nottingham.
Lee, who is doubling up as the bowling mentor of KKR besides leading theattack, said all rounder Jacques Kallis will play a crucial role in the team'stitle defence this year.
"Kallis is a great player and has been our go to man for the last twoseasons. Be it with the ball or the bat, he has a crucial role to play,"said Lee adding that the tag of defending champion was both an incentive andpressure builder.
The Australian also wished speedy recovery for New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder,who was assaulted outside a bar at Christchurch and is now in coma.