Lee: Keeping the human element alive

Dubai: Brett Lee is hailed as one of the world's most fearsome fast bowlers. Surmounting many injuries that threatened to end his career, he has continued to terrorise batsmen and is now just eight wickets short from the 600 wicket mark from both forms of the game.

Lee, who was in Dubai as the brand ambassador of Timex watches, talked at length about his career. He came across as a thinking cricketer with strong views.

Gulf News: What is the main factor that helped you become one of the fastest bowlers?

Brett Lee: When I was 17, I broke my lower back and the doctor told me that I will never be able to run fast, let alone bowl fast. But I wanted to play for Australia and kept going for it till I got my chance. So I believe my determination played a big role. Also one has to be mentally strong to achieve his goals.

At which stage did you believe that you could go on to become the world's fastest bowler?

Frankly, I am still waiting to reach that stage. I want to achieve more and keep getting better and better. I have only reached a stage where I am proud of what I have achieved. Even when I was injured during the World Cup and and my ankle was in plaster, I was thinking I have still a lot to offer. I won't allow myself to be complacent. I am still working hard to reach that stage.

Do you find any batsman tough to dismiss?

Sachin Tendulkar. He is undoubtedly the toughest batsman.

What quality is it that you have seen that makes him the toughest batsman?

Patience and timing. His whole body frame is perfect and he is like a boxer. His centre of gravity is so perfect and his balance is immaculate. He has great footwork too. Sachin is similar to Ricky Ponting as they are of the same height and so quick in his movements. That is why I compare him to a boxer.

He also picks the ball really quick and seems to have a lot more time than lots of the other batsmen. Because of his quality he has more chance to play the right shots.

Do you feel that the rules of the game are heavily loaded in favour of the batsmen?

Sometimes (pauses). Can I ask you a question? As a pacer I am allowed to bowl only two bouncers per over in a Test match. If a batsman plays two cover drives in one over and if he plays a third one why isn't he penalised?

These days wickets are so non-conducive to fast bowlers but I am not one to sit and winge about cricket and how the wickets were for me it is a matter to step up and bowl a bit better and smarter.

What do you feel about the referral system?

It's good for run outs and stumpings but I don't agree with it being used for leg before decisions. The human element should not be taken away from the game. Many times I have not got a caught behind decision when it was out but I have won lbw decisions despite the ball sliding down the leg side. It is part of the game.

Which form of the game you enjoy the most?

Test matches.

Any particular reason?

It is like a game of chess because in Test matches you have to set your opponent up, lure him with a false sense of security and then trap him. It is exciting.

How did you enjoy playing in the Indian Premier League?

It was brilliant. It is great for the game. India cricket will benefit massively from it and in ten years time you will find a very strong Indian outfit. Many young Indian cricketers have learned a lot by playing playing at the top level under Shane Warne. I believe that Warne has done a great job with the boys.

Even in Australia we have the Sheffield Shield Cricket but it is not of this level at the world stage. India will benefit immensely in the future from IPL.

You have often used sledging as a weapon. Do you think it is useful?

I look at sledging as part of gamesmanship. It is not wrong provided I do not racially vilify someone because kids are watching it on television.

So you mean it is not wrong to stare or say something to the batsman?

I have nothing against a bowler going and having a word with a batsman or staring at him and trying to knock him off his game. As long as nothing is said against his colour and his background or where he was born. I feel it is fine. I consider it as a bit of fun to put him off his game and it should be accepted as part of cricket. If you take that out of the game then it is like asking robots to play the game.

What is the secret of Australia's domination?

The secret is that we try and hang on as long as we can. It is important that we keep bringing in the youth that I come through. We have some great players between the age of 18 to 27.

Any particular milestone?

I just want to keep enjoying playing the game. I don't like share my dreams and goals with anyone. I like to keep it private and allow myself to live my life.

Any advice to budding pacers?

Being a fast bowler is the hardest job but it is the most rewarding job if you are prepared to put in the hard work. Keep trying and working hard and at the end of the day, keep enjoying yourself.