Brett Lee calls Umran Malik's omission from T20 World Cup 'a big surprise' | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

'I think he should play': Brett Lee calls Umran Malik's omission from T20 World Cup 'a big surprise'

Oct 06, 2022 02:57 PM IST

Brett Lee said that he is ‘surprised’ at Umran Malik not playing in the T20 World Cup, insisting that he would love to see the Indian speedster being ‘unleashed’ in Australia.

India cricket team left for Australia in the early morning hours of October 6 to take part in the T20 World Cup. The injury to pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has disturbed the team management's plans for the marquee tournament, as recent performances from Indian pacers in the T20I bilaterals against Australia and South Africa did little to inspire confidence. Regardless, a replacement for Bumrah will be announced within the next few days.

Pace bowler Umran Malik (ANI)
Pace bowler Umran Malik (ANI)

The chaotic situation is a result of unfortunate injuries and dip in form of some key bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal. Cricket experts are now questioning the team selection and raising eyebrows over exclusion of some promising young bowlers from the squad.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee, while speaking to India Today, has questioned India's selectors for not considering fast bowler Umran Malik in the World Cup squad. Malik is someone who regularly clocks above 140+kmph speeds, and has represented the side in three T20Is so far.

"I would love to see Umran Malik unleashed in Australia, yes. So, to me the big surprises of this T20 World Cup - Umran Malik for India, I think he should play. Cameron Green has to play for Australia. I can't fathom how Cameron Green isn't in the team," Lee said on the sidelines of the Legends League tournament.

Also Read : 'When Kohli scored 100 India forgot their Asia Cup. If Babar scores ton we say...': Ramiz Raja slams Pakistan critics

The 45-year old also opened up on the bowling conditions in Australia and how much role pace and bounce would play in the World Cup. Lee, however, emphasised that besides pace, controlling the length and line of the delivery will be equally important for the bowlers.

"Pace and bounce are crucial but if you are bowling pace at the death and if you are going to bowl length, you are going to be taken down. So, pace up front is good, and pace at the back is good too but it also depends on how well you deliver and execute your plans.

"So the extra bounce is more so for the batsman, how the batsman handles the extra bit of bounce because the sub-continent batters aren't used to that pace and bounce," he added.

The T20 World Cup begins with match between Sri Lanka and Namibia on October 16.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and exclusive insights on the MI vs SRH Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times Website and Apps.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    At HT Sports Desk, passionate reporters work round the clock to provide detailed updates from the world of sports. Expect nuanced match reports, previews,reviews, technical analysis based on statistics, the latest social media trends, expert opinions on cricket, football, tennis, badminton, hockey,motorsports, wrestling, boxing, shooting, athletics and much more.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On