Indians are welcome in Australia: Brett Lee

Melbourne:

The spate of attacks on Indians living here has saddened Australian pacer Brett Lee, who says people from India would always be welcome Down Under despite the recent happenings.

"I just want to make it very clear to the Indian public that we as Australians love India the country but also love the Indian students and Indian people in general coming out to Australia and to let them know that they are so welcome," Lee said.

"I'm very saddened by what happened. (But) We welcome Indians from any age group whether it is connected to studying or as a tourist. We accept them with open arms," he told 'Cricinfo.'

The fast bowler, who is immensely popular in India and has even acted in a Bollywood movie besides singing a duet with legendary singer Asha Bhonsle, is currently nursing an elbow injury, sustained last year.

Lee said he was using the time away from cricket to enjoy life with his young son Preston Charles. He also met Britain's Prince William at the Australian Open earlier this week. "The opportunity to mix with royalty was an amazing experience. He is a wonderful guy," Lee said.