Lee signs up for New Zealand domestic T20 cricket

WELLINGTON: Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has signed to play domestic Twenty20 cricket in New Zealand later this year with the Wellington Firebirds, the club said Monday.

Lee, looking for as much match-time as possible as he seeks a career swansong at next year's World Cup, will debut for Wellington against Auckland on December 14, Cricket Wellington chief executive Gavin Larsen said.

"It's tremendous to have secured the services of Brett and his record speaks for itself," Larsen said.

"He's a gifted all-round athlete who has proven himself a true match winner for Australia in over a decade at the highest level."

The 33-year-old will miss the first half of the New Zealand domestic competition because of prior commitments to his home state New South Wales but will play five matches and be available for the final on January 2.

Lee retired from Test cricket earlier this year after a string of injuries but is desperate to cap his international career by appearing for Australia at the World Cup in February.

Lee has a large following in India, which is co-hosting the World Cup with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and has said previously that an appearance at the tournament would be a fitting end to his international career.