Isn't Brett Lee's choice a personal matter between him and his wife? Not everyone feels the same. I recall the words (originally by Peter Tinniswood, I believe) of a man who was asked if he was going to be there at his child's birth. "Goodness me, no", he replied. "It was bad enough being there at the conception."

Hmmm, I wonder if you would be giving the same advice to Flintoff if he was expecting his first child on the evening of the first Test.

I'm female, but frankly, I just don't see the point of this modern mania for fathers being present at the birth. If I was giving birth the last thing I'd want was an audience.

Liz and Brett have the right idea.

Dear Brett

As a father of three and after attending the birth of all three I would suggest that you attend the birth of your firstborn!

It is a life changing event for you and your partner and NOTHING! should get in the way of it!! You will only say "What if" forever afterwards (and so will Liz!!).

If Freddie can do it why shouldn't you??

You still have a long and possibly glorious cricket career ahead of you, don't forget your priorities.

And don't forget unless it's a Caesar!! first time round is extremely unpredictable on timing, mine was ten days early!

England can wait you will still have four attempts at them this time round!!

Best of luck and don't forget to "Wet the baby's head"

Yours

Father who wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Brett is doing the right thing. he's no girly man. not so long ago there was no concept of men being in the delivery room. he can watch the video later. there is nothing more important than getting the ashes back. country before family i say. The Poms would rather be in the delivery room than the pitch.

Couldn't agree more! monsiour lee has time on his side for many more encounters with her majesty's boys. (including the other 4 Tests!) he knows he should do the right thing and put his family first, but also wants to send a message of intent to the enemy that nothing will stop him from taking the field.

Apart from all that the baby will most likely be premature so he/she can watch their dad in action!

Brett Lee's wife deserves a baggy green herself for giving her husband a ticket of leave during the first Test. Anyone who suddenly travels the 'moral high ground' in saying that Lee should recuse himself from the Brisbane Test is obviously an England supporter.

I hope Brett Lee can attend both events, too. That being said, the life of an international cricketer often sees them away for the birth of their children - sad but true. Hopefully they can work something out - Sydney is only an hour by plane from Brisbane. I wonder if, for example, Australia were to bat first if Cricket Australia would allow Brett to jump on the first available flight and come back after the first day's play?

Well said, Tim. Speaking as an office worker, there is no way I'd have missed the birth of my daughter. Not even for say, a one-on-one meeting with the biggest CEO in my industry.

But what if Lee's worried about losing his place if his replacement (Mitch Johnson or Macgill) turns in a terrific performance?

Now if you tell *me* my job is under threat, I am suddenly not so sure if would choose the baby's birth over the CEO meeting. All I can say is, top sportspeople have to be incredibly insecure about their jobs. I am glad I don't have to make such choices.

Firstly, Mr. de Lisle, I know the English would love for Brett Lee to be absent from the Brisbane match but, really, is it any business of yours to give Brett Lee advice on a matter so personal? And, does your view on the matter weigh in heavier than Mrs. Lee's?

She's obviously willing to compromise and as a woman, I can say that I'd do the same if I was in the same position and my husband played such an integral part in the team's success, with the entire nation behind him to play in the first Test.

The English didn't want Flintoff leave the squad to be with his wife for the birth of his second child during the Indian tour, but I guess your opinions and views change conveniently to benefit the team that you are supporting.

The child is due on the 22nd but there is no certainty that Mrs. Lee would go into labour during that time, the child could very well be born a week before or after the test.

Lastly, here's some advice Tim, I'm sure you'll be at the match come November 22nd, so if the child is born during that time, maybe you can go find Brett Lee and tell him what he should've done!

Cheers

I think this is between him and his wife, if they have an understanding and she doen't mind him playing in the first test then that's nobody elses bussiness. Could it be that Tim is trying to encourage Brett to stay away from the first Test because he knows how much he has improved and how much damage he could to do to England at the Gabba in the First Test?

Hang on a second - there's another way to look at that comparison: there's been some 1800 Test matches ever played, and maybe 8 billion babies born in that same time period. Surely the birth is not that "special".

With luck, B.L. will have the rest of his life with his child.

In a politically correct age where teary men wave their kids at disinterested fans at sporting finals I see Lee's old fashioned stand as refreshing.

Way to go Brett and Liz, an old fashioned couple at last.

Funny post! For a minute there I actually thought you were trying to tell a responsible professional athlete where his priorities should lie, as if you actually know the the whole story.
Oh, hang on a second... you were! But I assume you must have spoken to Brett and also his wife before you took it upon yourself to go public with this well researched opnion...

Amen to that!

Tim,

You are absolutely right, however serious the Ashes is to all concerned it is still ultimately a sporting contest of which there will be many more to come.
If (heaven forfid) there were any serious complications during the labour of Mrs Lee, then Brett would rightly never forgive himself. Although the birth of both of my daughters were thankfully fairly straightforward I would not have dreamt of being elsewhere and leaving my wife.
Although medical facilities are great nowadays It simply isn't worth the risk, Brett. Don't do it.

HAHA you wish Tim. We average 2.3 kids per household, which should give Brett another 1.3 goes at doing this. Don't lie when you say it is more important than cricket - playing for your country and your teammates in an ashes test as big as this one is equally as satisfying as watching your partner go through labour for the first time. Infact I know what I'd rather be doing. I'm sure when his child grows up and asks him how the 1st ashes test in 2006 went for Australia he/she'd prefer to hear - "I ran through england by lunch on the first day" than "I missed it because your bloody mother couldn't squeeze you out in time". Like most of today's trends in cricket (taking wags on tour, central contracts, acadamies, sledging etc.) australia created them....thus have every right to revoke them. Hmmm, didn't Freddie miss the birth of his second child? Oh so it wasn't the first? Big deal, take a camera. I personally hope that it's late - Bing will be in one hell of a hurry to end the test we'll have 20 english wickets by lunch on the third day.

This decision by Brett Lee and his wife Liz is to be applauded as a victory for common sense.

Why is the birth of his first child assumed by Mr de Lisle to be the biggest event in his life? His child will not benefit in any practical way by his attendance at the birth. In my view whatever moral support he could lend to his wife during the birth would be far outweighed by his usefullness to the Australian team in the quest to regain the Ashes. This is not to suggest that it would not be ideal that he be present at the birth if circumstance allows.

His possible absence from the birth will not in any way render him a lesser father for the child. It is no contradiction for Brett to say that family is the most important thing in his life and then possibly absent himself from an important family event at which his attendance holds little practical significance. Especially when this is done to ensure he is present at an event of national significance where his presence or otherwise may be crucial to the outcome.

I wish both Brett and Liz all the best with the impending arrival. Also, good luck to Brett for the coming cricket season.

As for Mr de Lisle, your argument regarding tests played v. how many children Mr Lee may father is totally irrelevant.

My advice to all men facing this type of choice is to be where you are needed. This in no way excludes you from giving your family the priority they deserve.

It Brett is puting cricket first, it might be only because it is the first test of the ASHES which Aussies so desparately want to regain. May be, Brett thinks that not having his pace to assist Glenn in the first test would give England a headstart in ASHES.

I agree - it won't be a nice moment for him in the years to come when his son or daughter asks him was he at their birth and Brett replies that no, he was playing test cricket instead and was so torn between his responsibilities that he got leathered all around the ground by Pietersen and Flintoff, returned figures of 0-111 and 1-125 (wicket: Panesar) and ended with a pair to boot!

Will Wein is obviously not a father. Until you've been there mate you cannot understand how incredible an experience being present at the birth of your child is. Listen, I'm an avid cricket fan who has suffered through 17 years (not 17 months!) of going without the Ashes. I was overjoyed to a ridiculous extent when we won them back last year but it didn't come remotely close to the intensity and joy of my son being born. Lee is a superb performer and you can understand him not wanting to let down his team (and hyped up fanatical supporters by the sounds of it) but he would be making a mistake to miss the birth.

You can tell the parents from the non parents from this blog.

Nagarjun, the ECB always fully supported Flintoff's absencs (the supporters didn't, but that's a different matter) .

Strauss has also had time off for the same reason recently. It's nothing new, and Bob, yes billions of babies have been born, but only will ever be your first.

6 years ago I'd have been on one side of the fence for this (play) and now I'm on the other.

No guesses as to what happened six years ago.

Try explaining that to a non-parent is like trying to explain colour to a blind man.

Tim, you are correct here. Although the Ashes is a massive sporting contest, rightly taken seriously by all involved, it is just that, a sporting contest, and one which will take place again in two-and-a-half years.

Due to medical advancements most labours are a very low risk now, thankfully, but it is still a very serious procedure.

If (heaven forbid) Mrs Lee did suffer complications then Brett would regret his actions for the rest of his days. For the sake of one match it is simply not worth the risk.

My apologies to Rob, I misread the author. It was Will Wein to whom I was responding... with Rob I am in total agreement!

With all due respect to the parents and the non-parents, here is what Mr. Lee should say to Mr. Lisle: "Dear Mr. Lisle, as a sportsman and a public figure, I'm used to silly, unsolicited advice on how I should conduct my personal life. Thanks for this latest piece. Now, can you go back to writing about cricket?"

I agree with the person who said its a personal thing, Mr & Mrs Lee have obviously discussed this, and they are happy that he should play at the time his child is being born, well then leave up to them. I am sure they have close family and friends who have discussed it with them too.

honestly who really cares

As a doctor, avid Australian cricket supporter, big Brett Lee fan and father of 3 ( 4 by next week), I say - induce her on the 22nd, take a hat trick on the 23rd!

Exactly why is the tests played/children born point irrelevant?

I don't anticipate becoming a father for many a year yet, but I know what my choice would be in Brett's situation. Although it's the Ashes, it is still a sport, and some things are more important.

Dear,Brett
I know that it is very difficult for u decide but u only have to decide what u have to decide.You can leave that match and stay there after everything when she will get discharge then u come back to the game.I know every father wish that he should be with there wife when her wife is deleviring a 1st child.What can i say i will pray for u.
ALL the best for everything

Your's best wisher
neha

i really think he should be there at the birth of your first child after all, a cricket match can be played anytime,but he will not be able to witness his first child's birth if he misses it.i know its a personal thing but just to let you know,my sister gave birth to her first child last month and her husband said it was a most remarkable experience.anyway,good luck to him and his wife.

Well done Brett. Don't forget to bring Glenn and Ricky for support and advice:-)

i really think he should be there at the birth of his first child after all, a cricket match can be played anytime,but he will not be able to witness his first child's birth if he misses it.i know its a personal thing but just to let you know,my sister gave birth to her first child last month and her husband said it was a most remarkable experience.anyway,good luck to him and his wife.

looks like the English are running scared. Lee's no Trescothick that he'd abandon his team at a whim. If Lee does want to play and his wife doesn't have a problem with that, who are you to give him advice? Focus on the English and the fragile mental state of some of their players - Monty seeing a psychatrist and Trescothick not stable enough to travel....

Dear Mr.Brett Lee,
Winning the Ashes and thrashing the England is the first and the foremost duty for you. You have to play a major role in redeeming the lost prestige. The whole nation is looking upon you. You have to act. This is the time for it. If you are a warrior in an army, you cannot take leave for the birth of your son. Likewise, cricket is also a battle and your country should come to your mind first. Leave everything to God. He will see that your wife gives birth to a beautiful child and that too very safely. Do not worry. Go ahead, as per your plan of playing for your great country.
With regards,
S.S.Rajan.

We've seen a sudden increase in the number of cricketers who lose their spot in the international team following a leave of absence. Thorpe had difficulty returning and poor old Buthcer still hasn't regained his No. 3 position in the English lineup.

Lee is faced with a challenge. Talent is not a scarce commodity in Australia and a 12-wicket return by his replacement could seriously jeopardize his chances of a return. I know that this sounds a little preposterous in light of Lee's recent performance, but maybe he just doesn't want to give anyone else a chance to make an impression on the selectors. We are well advised not to second guess his personal take on the issue, but we also know that he is a competitor. Maybe he is scared of losing his place, which will do no the upbringing of the baby of the way no good.

I think the important thing is that whether Lee decides to play the test or not, it will be a good decision. Since the decision is to prioritize country over family or vice versa, there can be no good guys or bad guys here.

Is this about cricket? If not it is Brett's business and should not even be a point of discussion in this forum. One could say the same for the "many trials" of Shane Warne.

Brett's decision could have been influenced by Australia's hunger to regain the ashes at any cost.

They want to make sure that they dont leave anything to chance. Everyone knows how they fared when Mcgrath missed a test in the Last Ashes. Brett is obviously one of their main players and they want to ensure he plays at any cost.

All said and done, its his own personal decision

I think what Brett is doing is the right thing to do. I know i'ts the birth of his first child, and it will only be once, but the Ashes are important too.

Tim de Lisle knows how much Lee has improved over the past year and is sure his presence can destroy England's already weak lineup.

It is the concern of Brett & Liz and they have decided what to do. Liz is a great woman... it takes a lot of courage to do what she did.

Hopefully the baby will come a week later or earlier so that he can celebrate it with a win in the first Test!

I am positive that the decision taken has not been an easy one for Britt. Your first child vs your wanting the Ashes back could not been tougher.

I would have gone the other way. The memory of that first child will be there to stay.
James.

I don't know about 'get thee to the maternity ward'. These days home births, properly supervised by a trained midwife, are encouraged by all the relevant [health] authorities. Maybe this gives Mr and Mrs Lee a way out of their dilemna. Shane Warne would surely volunteer to be at first slip.

Looks like Brett feels representing their country is the greatest honour. thats great.

Its fuelled by insecurity with regards to his place in the team. People are missing the entire point here. As a parent, one of Brett Lee's primary objectives is to bring home the bread. If he wants to play international cricket, he realizes that giving up his spot might open the door for some young hot shot who ends up making a name for himself. Husband-wife are entitled to their decision here.

Surely, she could comply and deliver in the pavillion during one of the drinks session.
JJ

Certainly this is a decision for Mr and Mrs Lee and really no-one else's business. I do, however, earnestly hope that sportsmanship is still sufficiently alive for the England camp to have ALREADY made it clear that, if Lee is delayed due to the child coming along on the first morning of the match, there will, of course, be no objection whatever to the delployment of a fielding substitute - outside of the normal circumstances wherein they are allowed - should Australia wish to take the chance of declaring him in their 11 and find themselves fielding first.

Put your nose back where it belongs, Tim. I wont accuse you of simply being disappointed Lee will be playing at the Gabba, but its none of your or anyone else's business.

Personally, I would rather have been anywhere else rather than in the delivery room for the birth of my first child. I envy Brett for actually having a very good excuse for missing it, I wish I'd had one. Oh for my father's era when men waited in the corridor.

HAHA you wish Tim. We average 2.3 kids per household, which should give Brett another 1.3 goes at doing this. Don't lie when you say it is more important than cricket - playing for your country and your teammates in an ashes test as big as this one is equally as satisfying as watching your partner go through labour for the first time. Infact I know what I'd rather be doing. I'm sure when his child grows up and asks him how the 1st ashes test in 2006 went for Australia he/she'd prefer to hear - "I ran through england by lunch on the first day" than "I missed it because your bloody mother couldn't squeeze you out in time". Like most of today's trends in cricket (taking wags on tour, central contracts, acadamies, sledging etc.) australia created them....thus have every right to revoke them. Hmmm, didn't Freddie miss the birth of his second child? Oh so it wasn't the first? Big deal, take a camera. I personally hope that it's late - Bing will be in one hell of a hurry to end the test we'll have 20 english wickets by lunch on the third day.

hmmm.... Brett is right....!!!

"Greatest moment of his life". Tim de Lisle must have written this post in an inebriated state. How can the birth of a child be the greatest moment of one's life? Also the first comment is a classic. This post really doesnt deserve a place on a cricket blog.

Is the issue about whether its better for him to be at the Gabba or down by his wife? Or pointing out the contradiction in what he's saying? i truly believe the choice should be left up entirely to him, and his wife. If she's cool with it, and Brett's at peace with that decision, there's no reason for anybody to gripe about it. Except for the English.

Tim,

You're ridiculous. It's up to Brett and his wife and they are both happy with the decision.

Tim de Lisle, where are you from ? England ? if yes than are you scared of brett Lee ?

Its just become a new age western fashion for a father to be present at the birth of the first born. Be there with the child throughout his/her life in times of need and give your unstinting love and thats the true duty of a father -- thats wha truly matters! Being there for the birth with a videocan is just a load of utter crap unless of course you have nothing else to do

"but the Ashes are important too" said in the same breath as the birth of your first child - the mind boggles. Despite the rivalry, it is just a game; just a bit of entertainment. I suspect Liz had no say in the matter. Extraordinary.

Being at the birth is largely symbolic and it's not as if there's much he can do other than hold hands, strut around, bite fingernails and all the other cliches. He'll be feeling much more useful, and inspirational to Liz and the child, on the pitch.

Brett will have plenty of time in the future to be there for his kids when it really counts, and I'm sure his family will be proud of him. I certainly wouldn't have wanted my father to miss an ashes test (not that hever got the chance, but that's beside the point) on my account and I doubt their child will feel any different.

Even if it turned out to be a hellish 36 hour contraction session, a twelfth man wouldn't be on the field for that long.

As a Father, as a Man, you must be there. Come see nature at it's most glorious.

If nothing else, you will never whinge about your aches and pains too volubly ever again!

i guess brett lee has not taken a bad decision.even sourav ganguly was in bloemfontein on the eve of his daughter's birth.
some obne said lee is insecure odf his place.thats pretty weird,i feel.lee is the leader of the aussie pace contingent now and his performances reveal it all.
hats off to mrs.lee too!

Wow, Ive read some of the comments by various individuals and frankly am very concerned of these sport fanatics.

Im not Australian or English, so Im not concerned if Brett plays or not, as long as we see great cricket. Brett is a fantastic cricketer and sportsman and I can just wish both him and his wife the very best of luck.

Hopefully a Higher Power intervene to avoid further speculation.

Dils SA

Luckily tu

Dear Brett,i can understand ur problem but think that it is not the last ashes for u but ur 1st child is most wonderfull experience.

I am great fan of urs but i also understand that u must be excited to see ur 1st
child.Which is very special moment for every parents.
Ask ur wife what she wants then take decision.I can only pray to god that whatever u want u should get.
All the best for ur upcoming season.
My best wishes is always with you.
Neha

Let Brett do what he wants, after all who are we to judge?

I can understand Brett's decision. I don't quite see the vital importance of being there. Done it twice myself but regretably not an international fast bowler!!

Of course it's between Brett and his wife. Hopefully there was no pressure either way from the Australian Cricket Board.
But Brett Lee is not irreplaceable in the test match, no matter how important one thinks he is to the team's chances, while is is irreplaceable at the birth.
And imagine what would happen if there is ANY problem no matter how SLIGHT at the birth (and I would never wish this on ANYONE). Consider how Brett Lee - not to mention all the player involved in the ashes would feel - if this occurred during the match: suddenly the decision doesn't look so smart, or sensitive.

I was there at teh birth of my first kid and wouild not miss it for the world. One thing is for sure, being the first kid, it's probably going to be late so he can appease both parties. After all, he's only refusing a 7 hour window; all of the the other hours he can participate and be at the birth.

I am suprised tyhough that he's chosen to suggest the ashes were first priority; a wiser man would have said the family comes first and hoped the child was born after 6 at night, or before 10ish in the morning; I wonder how much his wife will remind him of this in years to come...

I think Brett should be with his wife at the time of the delivery.If family is the most important thing for him,shouldn't he be there? Especially for the birth of his first child? So he'd rather play a cricket match than be with Liz when the baby is arriving?Not a very good choice, Brett.Consider.

Anyone who believes the birth of your first child is equally as important as the Ashes is just plainly retarded. Get some bloody perspective in your lives. Its still a game, no matter how passionate you are about it.

it's a personal matter, others should not be interfering. And I agree that it will not make Lee any less of a father if he is not present at the birth. I'm sure the kid will also love to hear about how his dad was ripping through the english boys when he was born. Also, fathers being present at the birth is a pretty recent phenomenon, for s long fathers have not been present and they've done just fine. It' a personal choice and there is no right or wrong.

I alwayz knew Liz was made 4 brett, she is an awesome woman. It was really cooooool of her to make a desicion like that.WAY TO GO LIBBY(that what Brett calls her).But I seriuosly hope the baby will come 1 week before or a week after the test.So,Binga can make the best of both.ALL THE BEST BRETT AND LIZ!!!!!!!(i am 16 and was a BL fan from age 10.)

They should set up a delivery room at the ground, maybe he will only miss a few overs.

After all Lee is known for his pacy deliveries - surely he can pass on some tips to his wife.

This blog has some of the most ridiculous comments, including Tim's.
Did Lee say that he did not want to be with his wife at the birth? No.
Too many idiots are coming on here and pretending to be parents. If any of them were, they'd know that Lee would be totally useless in the delivery room. As a mother of three, I think I can tell you!
Both Lee and his wife have both discussed this and came to a decision and nobody is entitled to comment. I must commend Mrs. Lee for being so courageous. That's the modern woman. She does not need the presence of her husband.
As for those with the opinion that the baby will be angry with Lee in years to come. WHAT LOAD OF RUBBISH! Too many of us were born without our fathers being present and it has not affected our lives negatively. What's really important is being there for the rest of the child's life.

Lastly, Tim, you should mind your own business. You are not the couple's parents, you are not either of them and you are not their baby.

what a ridiculous article.

care to give shane warne advice on his divorce settlement aswell tim? or perhaps talk mcgrath into caring for his wife a little long until the ashes is finished? because you come across as oh so sincerely concerned with mr. lee's plight.

laughable.

Well it seems that Brett's got a real situation on his hands. But the final call rests with him and his wife. All credit has to go to her for being so supportive of her husband's career that she would be willing to let him go tear in against England as opposed to witness the birth of their firstborn. There are pros and cons to either decision he may make.

If he chooses to stay with his wife

Pros:
+ He will be by his wife's side while she gives birth (bleedingly obvious)
+ He won't have to worry about having to explain to his child in the future why he missed his/her birth

Cons:
- Lee might miss out on an invaluable opportunity to wreak havoc on the opponents who he so nearly helped conquer (Edgbaston 2005, my heart goes out to you Brett)
- The fans and spectators will miss out on seeing one of the genuine speedsters in the game in action
- His team will miss his furious pace and his wonderful attitude, and no threat of an express pace bowler will give England a psychological boost

Now on the other hand if he plays the test:

Pros:
+ The team has another player who in having tasted ashes loss, will be even more psyched up and that much more determined
+ Aside from wickets, Brett has the sheer pace in order to shake any batsman's confidence

Cons:
+ He won't be with his wife (duh!)
+ The anxiety about the labour may play on his mind and affect his performace, or the reverse maybe true and this could help him bring out his best

Well I probably just stated what everyone was already thinking. I'm sure whatever Brett does choose do to will be the right choice for him and his wife. No matter what he does choose however, he will always have the question "what if?". Let's not forget that although this is only one test, the first test can and probably will play a huge part in determining the tone for the rest of the series.

That being said this series is all set to be one of epic proportions. As an England supporter (in the Ashes anyways) I would love to see them retain the urn, if only to prove that the Aussies are fallible. However Brett Lee is my favorite bowler, and I never get tired of watching him tear in, even if it IS against the team I'm rooting for.

Best of luck in everything Brett, and congratulations to you and your wife! :)

Karthik

I am hugest fan of brett lee.I collect 2009 pictures of him.And i believe oneday we will see each other.I will wait for that day till my death.I dont think that in asia there is any one like me who is in love with him.He is the greatest player of this century.I am really a unfortunate girl who born in pakistan.I love australia also specilly brisbane.I just want to say please please reply me back.I will wait {i am 20 years old doing acs}Take good care of your self and enjoy each momoent of your life.I will always pray for you.BYE

sir brett lee.well everyone ,he was there for the birth after all and done a brilliant job in test matches, the best he is, a real allrounder.with all the good and nasty comments about the birth v test, i am proud of brett's and liz's decision, both deserve a baggy green i say.congratulations on both birth and the ashes returning. i am proud of australia winning and proud to be australian. well done! thanks brenda