Retired Australia Test cricketer Brett Lee is expected to sign a deal with Channel 9 ahead of the Ashes series, which might not offer the fast bowler a commentary position, but a chance for him to diversify into lifestyle-based programming.

"He has a great media profile. It's possible that Lee will do various things and obviously being a retired cricketer it's likely he will be involved in the cricket coverage, but not necessarily in the commentary box," The Daily Telegraph quoted a Nine spokeswoman, as saying.