Australia’s legendary fast bowler Brett Lee has emphasized the crucial role of India’s pace trio—Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami—in their quest to conquer the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Bumrah and Siraj have been instrumental in India’s recent success, while Shami has been sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup due to an Achilles tendon injury. However, Lee believes Shami’s return to fitness is paramount for India’s chances.
“Mohammed Shami has to be fit if India want to win over here,” Lee asserted. “We all know how good a bowler Bumrah is. He can shape the ball both ways and will bowl extremely well. He’s great with the old ball and a master of reverse swing.”
Lee also praised Siraj’s ability to extract movement from the new ball. “Mohammed Siraj gets that new ball to talk and when he presents that seam upright, he gets it shape away, which can trouble Australia on wickets like Perth and Adelaide.”
Lee emphasized the importance of all three fast bowlers firing alongside Ravichandran Ashwin’s spin. “For me, it is that combination. It is those three fast bowlers plus Ashwin, the spinner. Then they have guys who are part-time spinners to play a role. But you have to have those three quicks firing if India want to win.”
In case Shami is not ready for the Tests, Lee suggests India consider young speedster Mayank Yadav, who impressed in the IPL and made his T20I debut against Bangladesh. “The great thing about India is that they are not worried about how much cricket someone has played,” Lee said. “If Mayank Yadav is ready to go, get him in there.”
Lee believes Yadav’s raw pace and potential could be an asset on Australian wickets. “One thing I can promise you is that batsmen are OK around that 135km to 140km an hour mark. It is when they are bowling high 150s that no-one wants to face fast bowling over 150km/h. He looks as though he has the complete package. He is fresh and raw. But I would be inclined to go with him if Mohammed Shami is not ready.”
