With their wonderful display in this World Cup, the Indian pace attack has found yet another admirer. And he goes by the name of Brett Lee.
To him, bowling fast is not just a job. It's your identity. That's how the world ought to know you. And that's how the world knows him. If you are a fast bowler, then there's only one way you can impress Lee. And that's by running in hard and bowling as quick as you can.
Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and Mohit Sharma have played a monumental role in enabling India notch up seven straight wins. They have done so by picking up a whopping 42 of the 70 wickets on offer. No wonder Lee is impressed.
Asked if this is the fastest he's seen an Indian trio operate, the man who terrorised batsmen with 150 kph thunderbolts for more than a decade readily agreed. "I think it will definitely be up there, yes. When they are definitely on song and bowling fast, then they are up there because they cross the 145 kph barrier," Lee said.
Not surprisingly, it's his one-time Kolkata Knight Riders teammate who's impressed Lee the most. "Shami has got the most number of wickets in the tournament (for India), and he is right up there. He has been really impressive. I have actually played a fair bit of cricket with Shami over the last couple of years and he is a wonderful guy. He goes in hard. Umesh Yadav is another bowler who bowls at a good pace. They have got a three-pronged pace attack that can all bowl quick, up towards a 145 kph mark. If they land in the right spot, then they have a really good chance to win," Lee added.
The 38-year-old, who hung his boots only recently, said he wasn't surprised by India's stunning turnaround. "I know what India can do on the cricket field. They have got great players and a lot of experience. To think that they have played pretty ordinary against Australia throughout this summer and then turned it around to win seven games back to back just goes to show how much they love playing in a big tournament. They are the defending champions. And we have to keep that in mind," he said.
Aware of the fact that Thursday's semifinal will be played on a typical SCG wicket, Lee said the Indian camp was bound to feel confident. But ask him who'll win the contest, and the patriot in him pops out. "What will probably give Australia the edge is that they now have the right balance. David Warner and Aaron Finch at the top, Steven Smith has settled in beautifully at No. 3, Michael Clarke comes in at No.4 and Shane Watson at No. 5. With Josh Hazlewood doing extremely well last week, Pat Cummins might still get his opportunity here. Australia are spoilt for choice. They have got the experience, the youth coming through, so I reckon they have a really well-balanced side. However, I think India do have a very good chance to win the game. They have got a great side and have great momentum going. It will be a tough game," he said.
Acknowledging the fact that Virat Kohli "is a big game player", Lee said the superstar batsman "will be looking forward to Thursday". "Virat is a world class player and he has proven that over the last few years. He obviously has got the right technique, a wonderful opportunity now for to go and stamp his authority in the game. I also know that he loves to play against Australia."
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