“You have the best car in the world and you are leaving it in garage” – Brett Lee asks India to pick Umran Malik for T20 World Cup
Former Australian pacer Brett Lee has put his weight behind the inclusion of Umran Malik in India’s T20 World Cup squad in place of injured Jasprit Bumrah. Lee, who was known for his rapid pace during his playing days, has always promoted the youngsters with a raw pace. Umran Malik is one such bowler who has impressed the legendary pacer with his serious pace.
Umran Malik is already a part of the Indian contingent to Australia as the net bowler. The 22-year-old will fly to Australia as soon as his visa issues are sorted. Meanwhile, the Indian team management is still sweating out about the replacement of their pace bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
The veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has cleared his fitness test and he is likely to be drafted from the reserves to the main 15-member squad. Meanwhile, Deepak Chahar is still struggling with his fitness issues and Mohammed Siraj is another pacer who has past experience playing in Australia. Furthermore, he has produced statement performances in the recently-concluded ODI series against South Africa.
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While Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj remain the frontrunners to replace Jasprit Bumrah, the legendary Australian pacer has voted for Umran Malik’s inclusion.
Umran Malik will succeed in Australia: Brett Lee
The former Australian pacer noted that Umran Malik’s pace will be a huge plus in the Australian conditions. He gave an analogy of parking the best car in the garage while explaining his point of view.
“Umran Malik is bowling at 150 km per hour. I mean when you have the best car in the world, and you leave it in the garage, then what’s the point of having that car? Umran Malik should have been picked in the Indian squad for the World Cup,” said Brett Lee in a conversation with Khaleej Times.
“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,” further added the former Aussie pacer.
Meanwhile, Brett Lee also spoke about India’s chances in the mega event in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. He concluded that it is a massive loss for India and now, the onus is upon senior bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar to deliver.
“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,” Brett Lee concluded.
