 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Tough to play in English conditions: Brett Lee
Australia pacer Brett Lee was not surprised to see England dominate India in recently-concluded Test series. After all, the mighty Aussies too found it tough to handle English conditions in the 2005 Ashes.
India lost the four-Test series 4-0, thereby relinquishing the No. 1 Test ranking to the home team.
"For the Indians to lose 4-0, it's going to hurt them really bad. But, let me tell you one thing: English conditions are not that easy to play in. We found that out in 2005," said Lee, on the sidelines of a promotional event in Mumbai on Friday.
- Tendulkar for ICC Cricketer of the Year
"But the Indians too haven't played the best cricket of late. On the other hand, England were terrific in all departments.
"England have lot of swinging bowlers, so it isn't a surprise that English cricket is doing so well," he added.
Lee, however, had a word of caution for the English, suggesting that MS Dhoni's men could bounce back in the upcoming ODIs, the first of which is on September 3.
"I'm sure India will do well in the ODIs," he said.
'Hope India series Down Under will be competitive'
The Aussies, who are currently in Sri Lanka having just won the ODI series 3-2, and preparing for the three Tests that follow, host India later this year, and Lee expressed hope that the series Down Under will be competitive.
"The Indians are coming to Australia later this year, so I hope we can do well against them as well," he said.
"I don't play Tests anymore. I'm a part of the One-day team, so let's hope it's competitive," added the pacer, who has taken 357 wickets from 205 ODIs.
Quizzed about the Don Argus committee's recommendations to Cricket Australia to include the captain and coach as part of the selection panel, Lee felt it is a positive move.
"I'm not an expert to talk about it, but if it's going to improve Australian cricket, it's a win-win situation.
"In other sports the captain-coach play a vital role in selection. To me, it makes sense. The captain is well-qualified person for the job and Michael Clarke and the coach can make a direct impact on team selection. It strengthens Australian cricket," he opined.