Lee takes the new ball when fielding restrictions apply and returns in the final overs when batsmen are swinging hard to clear the fence.

His nerveless bowling at the death delivered the Sixers two final-over victories, over Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers, which were vital in the Sydney franchise qualifying for the finals on their road to the title.

"It makes you invaluable if you can do it and do it well. I think he does it as well as anyone in the country," Clark said.

"When Brett first came into international cricket, he was an out and out fast bowler, a lightning fast bowler, but as he’s gotten older, he's added more strings to his bow, he bowls better yorkers, he’s added slower balls, slower ball bumper, he’s the complete Twenty20 bowler.

"He might be a bit older and not as quick as he used to be, but he was very important for our team," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Clark, as saying.

Clark rates Lee alongside Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga as the two best Twenty20 bowlers in the world.

Remarkably, Lee is rated a lowly 32nd in the ICC''s official Twenty20 rankings for bowlers.

Indian skipper MS Dhoni is no stranger to Lee’s skills, having kept close tabs on the Australian's efforts with the ball in the Indian Premier League.