Brett Lee opens his heart out in a free-flowing chat with Argha Bhattacharya.
Australian pace king Brett Lee has always been as colourful as his on-field charisma. He is someone who has lived his life like there’s no tomorrow and followed his passion for music alongside representing the island nation for 13 long years. Now in India to promote his film ‘UnIndian’, the ever so jolly cricketer talks about his love for movies and Indian culture while settling the debate about the present and all time greatest batsmen of the game. Excerpts:
Australia are No. 1 in both Tests and ODIS but their T20 ranking is 6. Do you think the cricketing culture of the country stops them from taking the shortest format of the game as seriously as other countries do?
No, they do take it very seriously but I think that’s one area of the game where we haven’t gelled well. In Test cricket they are well ahead, in ODIs they have always exceeded, but, yes for some reason T20 cricket has fallen short but this current generation is working their hearts out to change that.
A lot of young blood is coming through the system and representing the nation. Having played with the greatest Australian team, how do you rate this lot of cricketers?
Look this is a very young outfit, they have lost experienced cricketers like Mike Hussey, Shane Watson and Michael Clarke but having said that, this is the time for Steven Smith to get his team together, try and rebuild and get back to the top.
Presently four youngsters – Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Joe Root and Kane Williamson are ruling the world. Who do you think is the best of the lot?
Virat Kohli for sure. He is on a different level at this point of time. Although Steven Smith is in terrific form but in my opinion, Kohli is such an incredible player.
Who is the greatest batsman you have bowled to in your entire career?
Sachin. He is the best batsman to have ever played the game. His timing, precision and classical array of strokes is a treat to watch. And then there is his will to not throw away his wicket. You have to get him out, he will not give away an inch.
WATCH: Brett Lee's interview (Part 1)
Due the growth of T20 leagues around the world, a lot of cricketers, especially West Indians, are giving priority to the shortest format of the game over Tests. What’s your take on that?
Well, this comes down to the individuals. I can’t comment on somebody’s drive to play for their country or IPL. This is something which solely depends on a particular player.
What do you want to say about the upcoming Olympics? Australia have a great contingent, India are sending most number of athletes this time.
Yes, I have heard that this is the largest Indian contingent ever. I wish India all the very best and hope they do extremely well and get some medals. We also have some supreme athletes who are competent enough to increase the medal tally.
WATCH: Brett Lee's interview (Part 2)
Your movie ‘UnIndian’ has run into the scrutiny of censor board for a love-making scene. Were you comfortable shooting the segment or was it as difficult as bowling those yorkers?
It was a bit like facing Curtly Ambrose without a helmet. (Laughs)
Did you pick up any Hindi words during the course of the film?
My Hindi thora, thora... Aap kaise ho? Sab theke hai?
Bahut achha.
Bahut achha? Dhanyawaad.
Any message for the fans?
Firstly namaskar, namaste (folding his hands). Aap kaise ho? You can see my voice is sore, so I need some thanda paani.
Thanks Brett, it was pleasure talking to you.
Thanks mate.
You can watch the trailer here
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 "Virat Kohli, Brett Lee and Sachin Tendulkar")
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