 |
|
Lee tries to get a positive verdict against Tendulkar earlier this year |
But ask the Aussie team management and the reply is: "Who needs a spinner with a bowler of the quality of Brett Lee in our ranks?"
With 45 wickets in eight Tests vs India, it's natural that Australia will look up to their blonde bomber for inspiration and wickets.
For the Kangaroos, it is an absolute must to have Lee firing at his best. Physically, he is in top shape as he proved with 18 wickets in his last series in the West Indies, but there are concerns whether he is up to it mentally.
Unfortunately, the Sydney-based fast bowler is facing the worst personal crisis of his career after having separated from his wife. There have been many earlier instances of players being weighed down by domestic problems. The big question is can Lee cope with the added pressure?
Sydney-based former Australia fast bowler Len Pascoe, who has followed Lee's career closely, is confident about the Aussie spearhead's ability to put behind his personal problems and get on with the game.
"Brett is an absolute, total professional. I know him quite well and when he's at it, he is 100 per cent focused.
He puts his heart in it. An example of his professionalism is how he deals with his endorsements in India. He just does not take the money and run. He has hired a linguist so he can talk in Hindi. He knows how to switch on and off. He will take care of this (situation) and move on," Pascoe told MiD DAY over the phone from Sydney.
"He will be ready to spearhead Australia's attack in India," added Pascoe, who was a fearsome fast bowler during the Packer era. Pascoe is now coach of Lee's pace partner Stuart Clark and Australia opener Phil Jacques at Sydney's Sutherland Club.
Lee helped Australia win the 2007-08 home series against India with 24 wickets. He is yet to play a Test in India, though. It remains to be seen how he will measure up to the challenge of bowling on the slower tracks here.
"Lee will be hard to play even on slow wickets because he can skid the ball and he has a good outswinger," said Pascoe. From all indications, the India series will be a true test of Lee's character.
