After Shaun Tait's sudden withdrawal from the game, Australian selectors have realised the need to "rest" their other speedster Brett Lee [Images], who will be used sparingly during the ongoing tri-series.

Lee said he may get a rest at any time after the match against Sri Lanka [Images] in Sydney on Friday in the wake of Tait's surprise indefinite break to deal with physical and mental stress.

• Statistics: Lee sizzles in wet Brisbane

"I have bowled a lot of balls this summer and my workload has increased a fair bit. We'll have to wait and see [about a rest]. I'm looking forward to playing in Sydney in front of my home crowd, and we'll see what happens after that."

Coach Tim Nielsen said that even though Lee is the leader of the bowling attack, he needs to be kept fresh.

"His resilience has been outstanding, he is in such a great vein of form. That is why it is critical that we do give him a spell at some stage in order to increase his longevity for as long as possible," Nielsen said.

"He has played a massive part in our team, he has been brilliant for us all summer. He has bowled long spells, aggressive spells.

"We are certainly conscious of the fact Brett has worked hard. We will need to sit down and choose a time [to rest him] which suits Brett and the team. It is important that he is fresh and going well," the Australian coach said.