Lee backs Rixon for Australia coach job

Experienced pacer Brett Lee feels there is no need to conduct a global search for a new coach and current Australian fielding coach Steve Rixon can become the long-term successor to Tim Nielsen.

"They can search the world, and I think it's important they do look at the options, but there's something in our backyard that I think we should use," Lee was quoted as saying in the Sydney Morning Herald.

"He's been great for me. You look back at his record -- everything he's touched has turned to gold. The guys love him around the side. He brings a different coaching method to a lot of other people. If I could have it my way, I'd definitely have him as head coach," he added.

The 57-year-old Rixon as NSW coach helped his team win five Shield titles in nine seasons in the 1990s and 2000s. He was also at the helm in New Zealand from 1996-99 when the Kiwis reached to Number 3 in the world Test and ODI rankings.

Rixon's exploits in the Indian Premier League also speaks about his ability as during his stint with the Chennai Super Kings as an assistant coach, the Twenty20 team won two IPL titles and a Champions League crown.

Lee also backed pace sensation Patrick Cummins and said the youngster was ready to make his Test debut despite having played just three first-class games.

"To have the cricket brain he has at the age of 18, I haven't seen that from a lot of the youngsters," Lee said.

"I'm expecting great things from him, and if he's bowling that pace why not get him into the Test side now?" he added.

Lee, who has claimed 310 Tests and 357 ODI wickets in a 12-year international career, had undergone a surgery for appendicitis this month and is expected to make a comeback in a month's time for NSW.