Indian pacers can knock over any top order: Brett Lee

Tags: India, Australia, Brett Lee

Published on: Jul 22, 2020

Former Aussie paceman Brett Lee feels that India's pace bowling could make the big difference when they take on Australia during the upcoming series Down Under later in the year. India's pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami have formed one of most fearsome bowling attacks in the world.

While Lee believes that, being the hosts, Australia undoubtedly have an edge over India, he also admits that the current Indian bowling attack can run through any country's top order.

“India have got some extremely good pace bowlers that are capable of knocking over any top order. Once again, I think it comes down to how the ball will swing or not swing in different conditions (Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney),” Lee was quoted as saying in a PTI report.

“Playing at home obviously gives you that advantage, but that said I know that India will pack a full-strength squad to tour Australia. I still believe if Australia is to win our bowlers hold the key," he added.

Lee also chipped in on the saliva ban debate, and admitted that it will be difficult for the bowlers with the temporary rule changes due to COVID-19. He opined that it is imperative for bowlers to be given an artificial substance to shine the ball.

“It will definitely change the way the game is played so we don’t want to make it even harder for bowlers even more than it is currently is.

"Essentially you do need saliva to keep the new ball shiny and also the old ball to reverse swing. Usually (pace bowlers) use less saliva on a new ball compared to the old one. Maybe they need to come up with some artificial substance that they can use,” he added.

Lee, who claimed 310 Tests and 380 ODI wickets, and played in a team that was the strongest of its era, also backed Tim Paine as leader of the Test team despite mixed views over the choice.

Australia lost a Test series at home to India, 1-2, for the first time in history.

Although this win was historic because it occurred on Australian soil, this was not the first time the Indians bested the Aussies in a Test series. The Indian national cricket team defeated Australia in 2001, in a series that, according to Sports Pundit, included one of the greatest Test matches of all time.

“I think Tim Paine has done a tremendous job and should be complimented for the way that he has led the side. Keeping in mind he’s had a few dramas to deal with, he’s still the right man for the job," 43-year-old Lee concluded.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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