BRETT Lee could become the fastest bowler to 300 one-day wickets after the Australia spearhead drew within one scalp of becoming the 10th player to reach the magical figure. Lee claimed 1-25 in Australia's emphatic 63-run victory over West Indies in Grenada, but after taking his 299th wicket with his first ball.
He was unable to grab a breakthrough late in the innings after unselfishly resorting to a short run-up to help his team get through their overs and prevent skipper Ricky Ponting from receiving a fine or suspension for for a slow over-rate.
Provided he is not rested for game three of the one-day series in Grenada on Sunday night (EST), Lee will have the chance to claim his 300th wicket in his 171st match.
Pakistan great Waqar Younis currently holds the record for the fastest to 300, having achieved the mark in his 186th one-dayer.
Glenn McGrath, the only Australia player on the list, celebrated 300 wickets in his 200th game before going on to take 381 wickets during his career.
Vice-captain Michael Clarke, who said he was unaware of Lee being on the cusp of 300, praised the fast bowler's unselfishness in putting the team's interest first in his final over.
"It's just another great sign of what I love about this team,'' Clarke said.
"We're two overs down (on over rates) and worried about (skipper) Ricky Ponting missing the next game or getting fined ... and Brett's last over he bowled off four steps.
"He wasn't concerned at all about his 300th wicket, and I think that's very unselfish, and another strength of our team.''
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