Brett Lee, hailed as one of the world's fastest bowlers today, may look ferocious while bowling but he carries no airs about him outside.
At the practice nets in the Sawai Man Singh Stadium prior to the match against England, he bowled his heart out and even offered tips to some youngsters who were bowling with him.
It was a treat to watch him generate the speed with which he terrorises the batsmen. The Rajasthan Cricket Association had provided a few young pacers to bowl at the nets for the Australian batsmen.
And when any one of them managed to beat a batsman, Lee was seen applauding them and giving them a pat on the back. As for the youngsters, nothing could be bigger than applause and a pat from Brett Lee, the world's most feared bowler.
Lee was seen explaining to them that bowling fast is all about rhythm.
"If you can gain a good rhythm and look after your fitness, you can bowl as fast as you can," he told the youngsters.
Hard work
He also reminded them that bowling fast requires a passion. "It is hard work and only if you love to tire yourself should you take it up," he said.
Lee then went on to demonstrate to them how he bowls in a match.
"My run up is about 21 metres. Earlier I used to take a longer one, but now I have developed a nice rhythm from 21 metres. It's just 21 paces and I make sure I don't take a long stride. The result is that I am very comfortable when I reach the bowling crease," he elaborated.
Reminding them that they should not tire themselves by trying to bowl too fast, Lee said, "Make sure you don't waste energy. If you are tired you lose your concentration and concentration is a must to maintain accuracy."
As if summarising all that he had tried to tell them, he impressed upon them that, "Fast bowling is all about discipline. If only your body is able to respond to the desire to bowl fast can you bowl at your fastest. So train hard but maintain your fitness through a disciplined lifestyle. Aim for a nice rhythm and good stamina."
- K.R. NAYAR