MUMBAI: Brett Lee chose peace over pace for some time on Monday. The Australian fast bowler visited The Gateway of India and offered the team's condolences to bomb blast victims at the site.
"It was a terrible thing to have happened," said Lee, in the city to commemorate the billionth sale of Timex watches, which he endorses. "The Australian team often stays in the hotel nearby and I walked around the area a bit, paying respects on behalf of the team to those who lost their lives. I hope nothing tragic ever happens again."
Lee is regarded as the world's fastest bowler. The 26-year-old, who has reached a peak speed of 160.7 kmph, feels pace is his asset and personality. "I like to run fast, drive fast," he said. Asked if there was anything that he did slow, the musically-inclined Lee replied: "Maybe playing the piano."
Lee's dress code on Monday was casual — a retro shirt with diagonal stripes and jeans. As the female section of the audience struggled for breath, Lee disagreed that India, who tour Australia a few month on, were a schizophrenic team. "All sides go through a rough phase," he said. "But the current Indian team has a good structure. They have a fine captain and many world-class batsmen. We avoid making it public but we do find it hard to bowl to them. They intimidate us."
Lee said that playing against Tendulkar was a dream come true. "Growing up, I watched him on TV," he said. "It's amazing to be in the same park as Sachin. I gave him a call this morning and wished him luck."
It is Brian Lara, however, who is Lee's toughest opponent. "People say Brian could be a good boxer," he said. "That is because he is very quick on his feet. That's what makes him such a fine batsman. Chris Cairns can also be difficult to bowl at."
With a lard-free frame of 186.5 cm (that half centimetre is reportedly very important to its owner), Lee boasts an athletic build. But even he has known injury. "I have had a broken back twice, an ankle surgery and an elbow surgery," he said. "You need a strong heart to become a fast bowler and overcome the obstacles."
Lee's easy-going manner — he had patience and smiles for dozens of journalists, even when they asked the same questions — was impressive. His Hindi more so. "Let's do this jaldi jaldi, okay?" he requested a reporter. He also knows 'khargosh' means 'bunny'. But his favourite is 'shukriya'.
- AKSHAY SAWAI