Lee ready to return

Brett Lee is looking forward to a stint in the Indian Premier League before the Ashes

Sidelined Australia paceman Brett Lee insists the short and explosive spells he will bowl in Twenty20 cricket will prove more beneficial than a stint in county cricket as he maps out his comeback.

Lee, who has had a fifth bout of ankle surgery, will return for the Punjab Kings XI in next month's Indian Premier League as he bids to prove his fitness in time for the Ashes.

The 32-year-old dismissed suggestions he would have been better served playing in England.

"I actually reckon it is ideal (the IPL)," said Lee. "I can bowl four (overs) straight, depending on how the game goes. The way I look at it, it's the perfect lead in - so I'm actually really excited about it.

"That will be my first opportunity to bowl in a competition, so I'll be back bowling (in the) IPL and getting over there and enjoying subcontinent cricket again.

"Everything is going great. The ankle is feeling great, and I'm definitely on schedule."

Despite Australia's youthful attack standing up to be counted in South Africa, Lee believes the selectors should show faith in those who have done the job in the past.

The fast bowler is determined to book another trip to England in the summer.

"I enjoyed my last tour over there (in 2005). I thought I had a pretty good tour," he said.

"Unfortunately we couldn't come home with the goods, but I've always enjoyed playing in England.

"I've played in two Ashes there, and I will be looking forward to getting back and making the third one even better. I'm just hoping my record speaks for itself."

Lee admits he is looking over his shoulder - watching with admiration as Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus have ripped into South Africa's batsmen to set up Australia's unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing Test series.

"I think it's very healthy for Australian cricket," he said. "I always keep a note on what's happening overseas, (and) the guys have been playing extremely well.

"But I know what I have to do and I'm excited. I'm only 32 years of age, so I'm looking forward to getting back on the park."