Lee content with opening day

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A gutsy performance from Lee (three for 64) and a cameo from Mitchell Johnson (two for 62) ensured Australia ended Wednesday's play on top by reducing the tourists to 297 for six at stumps.

He said: "We just had to hang in there, if we had them four down for 300 it might have been a different story and you'd probably give India the tick in the box."

He added: "Those two late wickets, six down, I think Australia is in a pretty good spot now. It was pretty hot out there. When you see seagulls walking around with their mouths open, you know it's a pretty warm day."

Lee's performance highlighted how he has matured since taking the mantle of number one paceman in the wake of Glenn McGrath's retirement, and he thinks experience is the key.

He said: "Through what I have done over the last couple of years, I know when to go up and down a gear. There are times when you're running in bowling about 95% of your maximum and try to get the ball the right line and length, there are times when you have to go full tilt and that was today... When you need a wicket you have to go up to that next gear."

After the controversial second Test in Sydney, Lee was pleased day one at the WACA was played in good spirits.

He said: "I have been happy with how the game has been played. It was a lot of fun, there were a few jokes cracked out there, both teams were laughing - hard, tough cricket and that is what cricket is all about."