Greg Chappell and Steve Waugh describe Brett Lee's comeback as Australia's World Cup inspiration

Fast bowler Brett Lee, who made a rousing return from a 15-month injury lay-off, has been hailed as Australia's World Cup "inspiration" by greats like Greg Chappell and Steve Waugh.

Full-time selector Chappell said that at 34, Lee still has the pace to keep batsmen on their toes.

"He has modified his bowling in recent years, added variety, and I think he is a more complete bowler than at any stage in his career," Chappell said of Lee.

"He is still able to bowl at a speed that is up there with the very fastest but with a control and variation that hasn't been part of his armoury before," FOX News quoted him, as saying.

Lee underwent an elbow surgery in November 2009, having broken down during Australia's one-day tour of India.

A broken thumb ended hopes of an Indian Premier League comeback last year, then a forearm strain sidelined Lee from Australia's World Twenty20 campaign in the Caribbean.

Chappell said: "It's a pretty impressive comeback from a major injury for anyone and particularly a fast bowler."

Waugh also feels that Lee's accurate bowling allows fellow strike bowlers Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson to play in the side.

"Lee will be my impact player. He has amazing resilience, he is bowling back at 150km/h and he loves touring India," said Waugh.