Australian fast-bowling legend Brett Lee is happy to see lower ranked nations take giant strides in international cricket. While speaking in a recent interview with Malayalam Manorama, Lee was quoted saying the rise of the cricketing nations like Afghanistan and Ireland will greatly benefit the sport in becoming global.
“The rise of Afghanistan and Ireland is important for making cricket a global game. The one lime minnows Bangladesh have now grown up. Ireland is also playing well. Small teams are now doing well,” he said.
With the advent of T20 cricket, cricket has seen rapid changes in its form and nature. The game is not the same as it used to be during the heydays of Lee’s career. The veteran Aussie agrees with the fact and stated cricket like every other thing is subject to change as years pass and it’s better to accept the changes.
“Cricket today is of explosive nature and one has to change accordingly. A bowler has to understand the changes and it is important to deliver according to the situation. Changes are inevitable in any line of work There will be changes in technology, situation and we have to accept those changes and it is only way to move forward.
“Cricket is not immune to changes. Aft the advent of T20, the game has become faster. Things have changed dramatically from the lime I made my debut in 1994. The way bowlers bowl yorkers and All tosses have undergone a lot of changes. The style of balling also has changed,” Lee added.
An interview with Lee cannot be brought to a conclusion with a brief discussion of the art he mastered – fast bowling. According to him, a fast-bowler is a work in progress right from the first day on the cricket field until the day of retirement.
“My attempt was always to improve my bowling action from the first delivery I bowled in my debut match to the last delivery I bowled on my farewell match, said the mercurial fast bowler.
“It is natural to get injured when you bowl fast. When you bowl you can get injured in the elbow, shoulder, neck… and as a fast bowler there is a chance of getting injured after every delivery.
“There is no point in giving rest to bowlers for a long lime. What they need is proper exercise and practice. But the trend today is that lots of players give more importance to gym work it is not a good habit. What is important is not lifting zooid in the gym but doing it properly is more important,” Lee concluded.