Big Bash semi-final could be the end for Brett Lee or Simon Katich

Sydney Sixers pace ace Lee said he had not – consciously, at least – thought the showdown with the Perth Scorchers could be the last time he bowls a ball in Australia, while Katich will swap the orange of his BBL team for that of AFL club Greater Western Sydney.

Lee, 37, who has broken the 150km/h mark every year for two decades, has made an enormous contribution to the Sixers this summer as a leader and fast bowling spearhead, and has been a crucial factor in the franchise's rejuvenation.

While he would be sought-after by Indian Premier League teams at the forthcoming auction, Lee refused to acknowledge that, should Perth win, he could be unleashing his final thunderbolt at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

"I don't want to get there tomorrow night – you don't know what's going to happen next season – but I don't want to get out there and say this will be my last game," Lee told Fairfax Media.

"I just want to enjoy myself. What happens to be, happens to be. I'm not one to have a big song and dance about it anyway."

Katich is undecided about next season but is scaling down his cricket commitments. He starts a new job with GWS as the club's player development co-ordinator next week and acknowledged Wednesday night could be the last time he pads up, unless the Scorchers win through to Friday night's final.

"It's hard when you get to this stage of your career, you never know when the last one [game] is," he said.

"I try not to look too far in front, but obviously, with the new job to move into, that could possibly be the case."

Lee is bracing for yet another uncompromising showdown against his former teammate, who is second for most runs scored this season, behind only player of the tournament Ben Dunk, of Hobart.

"I don't think there is anyone in cricket's history who is tougher than 'Kato'," Lee said. "I mean that in terms of his mental toughness and just pure toughness . . . you see him get hit by the ball and he doesn't even flinch.

"He is such an awesome competitor, someone who'll never give his wicket away, and he is such a team man. Simon, to me, actually defines the meaning of 'team man'."

Lee said Katich, who was axed from the Australian team at the peak of his powers when Cricket Australia employed a "youth" policy, re-enforced his view that players should never be judged on their age.

"I've always said it doesn't matter how old or how young you are, if you can play cricket you can play cricket," he said.

"If you're good enough to play at that level, then so be it. Kato is definitely able to play at this level. He's still got it – he's tough, and it's a real shame we didn't see him play more Test cricket."

Katich said Lee remained one of the most difficult bowlers to face in Australia.

"He's still got it, no doubt," Katich said. "This season he's been a big reason why the Sixers are in the semi-finals. Some of his spells up front and at the back of the innings have won them games when he's been under a bit of pressure. We know he's still a fantastic competitor."