Chappell feels not many can do what Lee is capable of

“I don’t think anybody’s irreplaceable. If things happened and he got injured it would be a great shame but I think others could step up,” Chappell told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“Whether they could do exactly the same role that he does,probably not. For that reason we don’t want to lose him because there are not many people that could bring to the table what he brings,” the former India coach added.

Lee’s comeback has seen the reversal of fortunes for the Kangaroos,who received a 3-1 Ashes drubbing at the hands of England. But with the pacer’s return from injury,the hosts have managed to take a 3-0 lead in the ongoing seven-match ODI series against England and are just a win away from sealing the series.

The 34-year-old ,who is the series leading wicket-taker with an average of 15.57 so far,has struck with the new ball and has been vital during the later stages with his blend of yorkers and slower balls.

Despite battling numerous injuries,which saw the speedster bidding adieu to Test cricket,Lee has lost just one One-day International from his past 21 games,stretching back to June 2008.

Lee also enjoys an exceptional winning percentage of 71.95,which is the highest success rate compared to those in Australia’s World Cup squad and is considered as one of the most potential weapons in the Australian armour.

“To that extent he is a very important member of this squad,” said Chappell,adding that the selectors were “hopeful” rather than confident at the start of the summer that Lee could make a successful return to international cricket after the elbow surgery last year.

“We were confident that if he could regain fitness and get back to bowling at the sort of speeds he is renowned for that he could be the leader of the attack that we will really need in the World Cup. He’s a more than useful lower-order batsman. He offers a lot,not least of all his experience and his reputation,” Chappell added.

Emphasising on Lee’s presence in the team,the chief selector said,”There’s no doubt the whole group is inspired by what he’s doing and is capable of doing.

“The fact they see his enthusiasm as an experienced player…I’m sure is a great example. From what I’ve seen of him around the group,the group’s enjoying him being there,” said Chappell.