(BBC)Australia fast bowler Brett Lee admits he may never play top-level cricket again because of serious injury.
The 33-year-old is recovering from elbow surgery he had in December 2009 and has been ruled out of the whole summer season in Australia.
“I may never bowl another ball and if that’s the case, I’m so satisfied with my career and my longevity,” he said.
Lee has not played Test cricket since December 2008 and has been plagued by injuries in recent years.
The New South Wales paceman, who has described his current elbow injury as the most painful of his career, says he will meet Australia team bosses and captain Ricky Ponting to discuss his options.
“As far as my cricket goes, anything is possible – I may play one-dayers or no cricket at all,” added Lee, who has continued to feature in Australia one-day sides despite not playing in Tests.
“To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure what I still want to do in my cricketing life.
“If it’s the case that I don’t play again, well, that’s the case.”
To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure what I still want to do in my cricketing life
Lee has suffered a series of injuries during his international career, which began with the Test series against India in December 1999.
He missed the Ashes series against England last year after suffering a rib injury shortly before the opening clash in Cardiff, although he did play in the subsequent one-day series.
“There’s no miracle treatment for me,” added Lee, who has taken 310 wickets in 76 Tests.
“It’s taking time. I still don’t know when I’ll be able to bowl again.
“I will see how the arm pulls up because I can’t achieve any aspirations in cricket unless my body is functional.”
The popular bowler, who has also suffered ankle and foot injuries during his career, said he would not rush a decision over his long-term future.
“There’ll be some key people I confide in,” he said.
“I’ll keep it mainly in-house then talk to the team, but at some stage I will sit down with Punter [Ponting].
“I’m making a lifestyle decision here as opposed to a cricketing one.”
