Lee wants to smooth things over with India

Brett Lee, the Australian fast bowler, doesn't think that his image would be tarnished in India following the controversial Test in Sydney last week. Lee has enjoyed a good relationship with India: he endorses several Indian brands, has released a hit song there last year, worked in a Bollywood movie last week, and has even learnt a smattering of Hindi.

"The respect I have for their players and the love I have for their country means that it's definitely not going to have an impact on us going over there and touring, whether it's to play cricket or to do work with sponsors or whatever," he told the Sun-Herald.

Despite the outcry in India after the Test over the conduct of several Australian players, Lee didn't think there would be any negative fallout. "I'm treated so well over there and I'm very thankful for that. I don't think anything will change," Lee said. "I try to do everything in my power to keep a good relationship with people in India. I truly think that the Indian public respect what we do and they enjoy the style of cricket we play."

Lee also maintained that relations between most players were not strained. "There's issues, for sure. But, when you're playing at the top level there are always going to be things that pop up. As far as the feeling between most of the players, there is no issue."

In the third Test starting on Wednesday, Lee will spearhead the Australian attack for the first time in Perth, where the pitch traditionally favours quick bowling.