Brett Lee was one of the best fast bowlers of his time. Known for his death-rattling deliveries, the former Australian shared some strong opinions on the Rohit Sharma-led Indian side for the T20 World Cup in Australia. The squad has faced a few shake-ups along the way after injuries to their prominent players. And with many people speculating on his replacement, Brett Lee’s analogy caught the eyes of many.
The ODI World Cup winner, who is now a cricket commentator, believes that the express pacer Umran Malik should have been selected in the Indian squad after Bumrah’s exclusion. He compares the Jammu and Kashmir pacer as the best car that has been left in the garage due to his lightning pace which could be conducive to fast bowling on the Australian turf.
“Yes, he is young, yes, he is raw, but he bowls at 150 kmph, so get him in the team, get him to Australia where the ball flies through. It’s different when you have a guy bowling at 140 kmph and a guy who is bowling at 150 kmph.”
It is to be noted that Umran has a chance of playing at the World Cup as the Kashmir express pacer has been struck with visa issues. On top of that, Umran has only played three T20IS for the Indian team and had underwhelming performances where he leaked runs in chunks.
Due to his sub-par display with the ball, he couldn’t make the cut again in the Indian team and failed to be considered even as a reserved bowler, although he will be flying to Australia as a net bowler. Now, with Bumrah ruled out of the World Cup which as per many and Lee is a ‘huge blow’ to the Indian team, India is still in search of a bowler who can do away with their woes in death bowling.
The tried bowlers, the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, and Arshdeep Singh have failed to put a lid on the overflow of runs in the death overs.
"The fact is that Jasprit Bumrah suffered the back injury, it's a huge blow to India's chances (at the World Cup). I am not saying they can't do it. They are a wonderful side, but a strong Indian side is a side that has Jasprit Bumrah. That would put pressure on guys like Bhuvneshwar Kumar," added Lee.
