Maybe his mom is a very good cricketer. We don’t know for sure she isn’t,” said Australian speedster Brett Lee when asked about New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns’s recent comments that even his mother could successfully lead the current Aussie team.
But Lee became serious soon after the laughter died down in a suburban hotel yesterday where the Australian speedster turned up as the brand ambassador for New Balance shoes.
“I sincerely believe that to be a good captain, you need a good team. But at the same time, to be a good team, one also needs a good captain,” the 28-year-old said.
“Each and every team at any level needs a good captain. Ricky Ponting and even Adam Gilchrist, whenever he has led, have proved that they are very capable and very good captains.
They are respected a lot and have inspired teammates when they are a bit down,” Lee added.
“So it would be unfair to say that they do not deserve the credit for the success we have had in the recent past.
Our captains have led from the front almost every single time. And on occasions when they haven’t, other mates try to do as much as they can for the team and the captain,” Lee said.
“And that is also a reason for our good performances. Because we like playing together and for each other.”
Will he rise for the Ashes?
The selectors told me to achieve three things: To be completely fit (Lee had been suffering from an ankle injury), to keep taking wickets and bowl fast. And I have achieved all three objectives. Not I can only hope that I get the nod
On his chances of playing in an Ashes Test
I am just 28 and have no reason to be frustrated. This is the time a bowler reaches his peak. I have never felt fitter than this. So, I can only hope to get a chance and prove myself
On being frustrated at not getting a place in the Test team
England have been doing well so it will not be easy for us. players like andrew strauss and andrew flintoff have been playing well. so we know this is not going to be a cakewalk for us. we are prepared to win this the hard way
On the outcome of the Ashes series?
- ANAND I NAIK