Former Australia fast bowler, Brett Lee reckons that KL Rahul will become the highest run-getter in the T20 World Cup 2021. He also backed the Indian pacer, Mohammed Shami to emerge as the leading wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup Super 12s. In the warm-up game both the players did a phenomenal job.
In his column for ICC, Brett Lee said, “I think India are probably the favorites with their top four or five batters and their bowling attack. I have KL Rahul down as the top run-scorer in the tournament and Mohammed Shami to be the leading wicket-taker, purely going on the last few months. So if they deliver and India has one of the leading run-scorers and wicket-takers, it’s a good start.”
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Talking about Australia, Brett Lee said that even though David Warner is going through a rough patch after the harsh treatment meted out to him by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, the dashing opener is a big-stage player. Lee exhorted the Aussies to change the statistics since they are yet to lift their maiden T20 World Cup title. Australia begins its campaign against old foes in South Africa on Saturday.
Elaborating the same, Brett Lee wrote, “We have not had a lot of success in this format – it is time we changed it and we do have a side that can take it all the way. It obviously won’t be easy, especially when you look at how strong teams like England, India and New Zealand are. But this Australian side is loaded with talent and for me, the key is David Warner. I would like to say he is saving the runs for the games that count after his IPL form! He was really harshly dealt with there and it may have knocked some confidence out of him but he thrives on the big stage.”
The 44-year-old, who played 76 Tests and 221 ODIs, picked Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood to do well for Australia, apart from Warner. About Australia’s tournament opener against the Proteas, Lee said “South Africa pose a massive threat”.
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Brett Lee explained, “Players come and go, greats come and go. But when you play against a nation like South Africa, respect is always there. We know they have some match-winners and that is where the T20 game will suit them. They have guys who can take the game away within four or five overs and it will be a real test. I think South Africa are closer to the Australian culture than any other nation, in terms of sport. New Zealand are obviously closer geographically, but South Africans are abrasive on the sports field.”
Brett Lee also believed that teams from the Indian sub-continent should excel in the UAE conditions.
