Lee, regarded as one of Australia's leading fast bowlers, was overlooked for Australia's opening two wins in the triangular one-day series against India and Zimbabwe.

While Lee was watching from the stands Brad Williams gained man-of-the-match honours with 5-22 in Australia's 99-run win over Zimbabwe here on Sunday.

The West Australian's career-best spell has entrenched him in Australia's line-up for the time being, but Ponting believes Lee can put his recent troubles behind him and still play a part in the series.

"It's been a tough week for him but he's been pretty upbeat," Ponting said on Monday. "I'm sure you'll see his performances turn around in the next few games."

Lee, who has 137 wickets at 21.43 in 73 ODIs, has admitted seeking specialist help from pace great Dennis Lillee, particularly over reducing his recent splurge of no-balls.

But Ponting believes Lee - who has bowled 205.5 overs in four first-class matches and a domestic one-day game over the past five weeks - just needs a breather.

"No, it's physically more than anything," Ponting said when asked if Lee was left out of the opening tri-series matches to help him recover mentally.

"He's done a lot of bowling since he's come back to Sheffield Shield cricket and then back in the Test team, he's had to work very hard in every game he's played and he's bowled a lot of overs.

"We just thought he was a little bit flat so we gave him a couple of days off to get him to liven up again."

Ponting said Lee would be aided by the return of Glenn McGrath and a fitter Jason Gillespie for next month's tour of Sri Lanka, which would allow the blond speedster to bowl first change - the role in which he has produced his best performances.

"His actual role in the Test team will change," the new Test skipper said. "When we get Gillespie and McGrath back, things will be different for him."

Things could also be different for Australia's bowling attack with the return of Shane Warne, who is less than a month away from resuming after his one-year ban for taking banned diuretics. Warne, whose ability to keep batsmen under pressure for long spells was sorely missed in the Tests against India, is a chance to return immediately to Australia's one-day side in Sri Lanka.

But Ponting said the legspinner would need more than just nine days to prove he was ready to resume when Australia play Sri Lanka on February 20.

"I imagine it's going to be pretty hard for him to be picked straight into the one-day squad without having played any cricket," Ponting said.

"I'd love him to play one-day cricket again. I'd love to have him back in my one-day team - he's a world class bowler in both forms of the game and I'd love to have him back in the Test side as well, let's just hope he gets back there."

Warne will play for Victoria's Second XI as soon as he is eligible, on February 11.