'He understands that. He's been pretty good right the way through the tour. He's obviously disappointed he didn't get to play in the Tests.'

Lee missed the tour of South Africa with foot and ankle problems that required surgery.

Ponting said Lee would have played in the first Ashes Test at Cardiff after a spectacular spell of reverse-swing bowling at Worcester, but he broke down with a side strain.

'Someone like Brett needs a lot of bowling under his belt,' Ponting said.

'Bowling as quickly as he does, he needs a bit of work behind him. It's hard to switch that on after a long break.