It is always exciting to meet the man who is hailed as the fastest bowler in the world. And the excitement can reach its climax when you twice escape death by a whisker. Brett Lee bats the way he bowls, aggressively. He was batting in the nets, while this correspondent was waiting for a chance to speak to him. And bang, a ball came towards me at a great speed, and just missed my forehead. If that was not enough to put the scare of the God into me, a few minutes later, the same thing was repeated.
Later, after finishing his session with the bat, Brett Lee promptly came up for a chat, and the first thing he did was to apologise. "Sorry mate, but when I am practicing, I don't notice anything," he said with a smile. In an exclusive interview , Lee speaks about his passion for the game, and the trauma he had to undergo when doubts about his action cropped up.
Brett, what goes into making the fastest bowler in the world?
A healthy body and an aggressive approach is a must. Physical fitness you must have but without mental toughness and intelligence you can't bowl fast. Basically, a very stable fitness programme and a good, smooth action go a long way into making a fast bowler.
But is it possible to be hostile without abusing the opposition?
Oh yeah, it certainly is. It's not necessary at all. I mean, one looks like a fool if one just abuses and doesn't get the batsmen out. I would rather concentrate on getting a wicket than abusing the bloke opposite me. But sledging is used more to apply pressure than anything else. If a batsman has forced your plan out of gear, you don't show it. But yes, one can be aggressive without being abusive.
You spoke about mental toughness. Surely, you must have needed a lot of that while coping with doubts about your bowling action.
I have come out of the whole thing a much better cricketer. I had to go through a lot of pain for a few months because of that. But I was sure there is nothing wrong with my action, I knew all the while I am not doing anything wrong, that I am clean. But yes, the whole thing was quite upsetting.
Have you modified your action?
I tell you, mate, its exactly the same as it was before.
We saw you batting in the nets, and you were belting the ball like a man possessed.
Well, I am not too worried about my batting. I am not expected to go out there and score a fifty for the team. But yes, I would like to improve all the aspects of my game.
Who is the best batsman you have bowled to?
Sachin Tendulkar is right up there. He is head and shoulders above the rest. For a fast bowler, nothing is more enjoyable than bowling to someone who is ready to take him on, ready for the challenge. Tendulkar's got all the shots, and he is thrilling to bowl to. He is extremely hard to get out because he is so well balanced, and he can tear us apart on his day.
How does it feel when people come up to you and say you are the quickest bowler in the world?
It's a great feeling, but it's not a very important thing for me. What counts to me is to get wickets for Australia. It really doesn't matter how fast you bowl if you are not taking any wickets. If a guy comes and says I am going to bowl at 160 kmph, well, all the best to him, but that's not me.
How much has Glenn McGrath influenced you?
I have learnt a lot just by watching him bowl. He taught me the importance of maintaining a good line and length. Just watching Glenn maintaining that superb line and length is an education. He is a complete bowler. I mean, it's important to bowl fast, but the thing that matters at the end of the day is how many wickets have you taken. Bowling alongside Glenn has made me a lot mature.
You are just 23, and this question will be a bit out of place. But how would you like to be remembered as?
A tough question, a very good question. Well, I would like to be remembered as someone who gave a hundred and ten per cent for Australia, I would like to be remembered as someone who loved his country and loved playing for his country. I would like to be remembered as a patriot.
What is your philosophy towards the game?
I am not worried about being the quickest in the world, I am not worried about being the first guy to reach the 100 mph mark. I just want to play cricket, give my 100 per cent and enjoy competing with the best.
How would you describe the Australian approach?
I always back myself, always aggressive. Never shirk from a challenge. Its difficult, but you have got to do it.
You have a massive following in India. Comment.
I want to tell them just one thing - shukriya.