Buchanan backs Lee

John Buchanan watches Brett Lee in Mohali during the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy

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Former Australia coach John Buchanan believes fast bowler Brett Lee could be Ricky Ponting’s trump card on the tour of India next month.

The 31-year-old opted out of the ongoing one-day series against Bangladesh in Darwin because of his separation from his wife, but will return for the four-Test Border-Gavaskar series.

Buchanan said: “It is going to be a tough and exciting tour, like any India-Australia series.

“We expect to see some good bowling from both teams, but Lee, knowing the sub-continent well, will be an effective bowler on these wickets.”

Buchanan, who is coach of Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders, reckons the series will be decided by the top-order batting.

"The real crux of the series will be how the top order negotiates the opposition bowlers," he added.

"That will be crucial in determining the result of the match.”