Last Updated on 2 weeks by Charbel Coorey
The build-up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has been nothing short of marvellous. This Test series between India and Australia has been trending across all social media platforms. The hype around this series was justified as the first day of the first Test saw a lot of action, with Jasprit Bumrah starting in magnficent fashion.
Despite the absence of the Indian captain Rohit Sharma, their stand-in captain was amazing with the ball in the Australian first innings. He even picked four wickets on the first day and ensured that Australia were in all sorts of trouble. Earlier, Australia’s bowlers had restricted India to 150 in the first innings.
With all eyes on the bowlers on both sides, who better to speak about them than Australia’s legendary fast bowler Brett Lee? During an exclusive interview with Arvind Kalyana Krishnan during the Kayo Sports’ Summer of Cricket event organised by Fox Cricket, Brett Lee drew light on Australia’s bowlers and India’s Jasprit Bumrah.
Firstly, he spoke about the possibility of Scott Boland getting a chance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Despite the fact that the Victorian has been in superb form in the domestic circuit, Australia’s regular pacers (Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins) have been arguably the greatest pace-bowling trio of this era. Having said that, Boland’s record in the longest format of the game is sensational, to say the least.
Lee also spoke about Bumrah’s importance in the Indian team. The Australian legend gave his thoughts on having a bowler being the captain. He wanted Bumrah to bowl in the same manner he always bowls and not change anything. Lee had heaps of praises for the Indian pacer.
Brett Lee on Jasprit Bumrah: He leads with his superb bowling
Below is the audio and transcript of the chat with Brett Lee.
Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: Scott Boland has been in very good form. Any likelihood of him playing any of the games?
Brett Lee: Look, I think it’s a good question because he’s probably a guy that would be next in line or sort of the next guy in the pecking order. The thing about Australia is that they’ve got three amazing fast bowlers that I don’t want to see rested. So guys like Scott Boland have to make sure that they’re ready. Michael Neser has been thrown in the mix as well so we will have to wait until it happens.
Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: Could you explain the importance of Jasprit Bumrah the player and skipper in the first match? What is your opinion on this?
Brett Lee: Well, Jasprit Bumrah is a great leader with the ball, and now he’s got the opportunity to do it you know, with the captaincy band on his shirt. So you know that’s a big credit for him. Also, I want to see him just not change the way he bowls and not be afraid. The thing I’ve always said about fast bowlers as captains is that sometimes they under-bowl themselves. I wanna make sure he gets the right amount of balls underneath the belt from him.
After this, Arvind and Brett continued the conversation by speaking about their previous encounter. As Arvind was in Brett’s gym in Mumbai, he reminded him of the same. In a light tone, They spoke about how Arvind had promised the Aussie legend that he’d get a body like the Australian actor Chris Hemsworth during their next meet, which came in the form of an interview between the journalist and cricketing legend in Melbourne.
Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: One last thing, I’m not too sure if you remember this but back in Mumbai, BKC, I was in your gym. The last time we met, I had promised you I’d get a body like Chris Hemsworth (laughs). So what do you think now?
Brett Lee: Ooh yeah! (Remembering it). Chris Hemsworth? Haha (laughs). You’re looking good mate, you’re looking good buddy. You’ve done very well. You’ve worked hard (laughs again).
