Lee takes over from Akram as KKR's bowling coach

Australian speedster Brett Lee, who spearheads the Kolkata Knight Riders' pace attack, replaced Pakistan great Wasim Akram as the team's bowling mentor.

Lee, who has retired from international cricket, will shoulder the twin responsibilities in the upcoming Indian Premier League scheduled to be held in April-May.

Lee took up the position after Akram, who held it for three years, resigned expressing his desire to spend more time with his family as his two sons Taimur and Akbar are barely in their teens.

"We are fortunate that someone of the caliber of Brett Lee, who in addition to being a key member of the team, will also mentor the bowling unit," KKR CEO Venky Mysore said in a statement.

"The bowling unit and the entire team will benefit from Brett's leadership in this area."

While accepting the role, Lee said, "The experience with KKR over the past three years has been fantastic."

"We have become a closely-knit unit under the leadership of skipper Gautam Gambhir and Head Coach Trevor Bayliss. As we get ready for IPL 2013 as the defending champions, I am honoured to take on this additional responsibility," he added.