Forty wickets in the last two series, but that is not the only reason why the world loves him so much
Forty wickets in the last two series, but that is not the only reason why the world loves him so muchMELBOURNE: It is unlikely that one would come across a cricketer in Australia who is not singing paeans about Brett Lee. Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Mike Hussey, Damien Fleming, Michael Slater, Michael Kasprowicz, Allan Border, Mark Waugh, Ian Chappell, Richie Benaud, Ian Healy … the list is endless.
Ask anyone, and the answer would be that Brett has taken upon himself the burden of leadership. When he is out on the field firing in thunderbolts, leading the pace attack doesn’t seem to wear him down but invigorates him and his teammates.
The commentators, for one, heap praise on the Australian pacer endlessly.
“He is willingly taken up the responsibility after the retirement of Glenn McGrath,” says Hussey. “We’re lucky to have a bowler who is relishing the challenge. It was a big ask and Brett has not backed out,” says skipper Ponting, in almost every post match press conference.
In the last two Test series, Lee has taken 40 wickets and what more has emerged as the man of the series. “That is awesome record. He has come off very well,” says Kasprowicz, who recently retired from the international cricket.
Apart from bowling at his best, Lee has also taken upon the role of being a mentor to the young Australian bowlers. “It is something amazing for us. He has encouraged every bowler, be it Ashley Noffke, James Hopes, or even Shaun Tait,” adds Hussey. “He is leading by example and he is also nourishing the younger lot,” says Kasprowicz.
Lee, however, is sad that despite his support, Shaun Tait, a tear-away pacer like him, has run out of steam. “I enjoy bowling with everyone. But it would be different if Shaun is bowling at the other end. If you have someone bowling bowling at 150km per hour, it is fun watching. I would enjoy bowling in tandem with him.”
Lee also strongly defended his Tait who Geoff Boycott called not a good sportsman. “I’ve not seen what Boycott has said but I would say Shaun is wonderful. I’ve not do not have such feelings. I think Shaun is a wonderful pacer and a good sportsman.”
On Sunday’s match, Lee says he is excited at the prospect of bowling again to Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. “It is a challenge bowling to the likes of Sachin and Dhoni and I’m looking forward to it. Lee, however, refused to compare the India and Sri Lanka batsmen, against whom he has played.
“Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara are tough to bowl to just as Sachin and Dhoni. So a comparison is not fair.”
Lee says he has no plans to take rest despite the heavy work load his body has been taking a lot of toll. “Tomorrow is a very big match for us. India are tough opponents. If we can go there and play some really good cricket, hopefully pick up a win, then the momentum will be sky-high going into Perth against Sri Lanka.”
“Collectively as a bowling group we have done well,” Lee said. “The guys are chipping in and it’s not like one person is putting his hand up.” It’s no wonder Australians are not tired of singing paeans about him.
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