Brett Lee

Profile

One of the fastest bowlers in the world, Brett Lee once possessed the ability to bowl a delivery at 160 kph that would be a dreadful sight for most batsmen around the world.

“Binga” as he is fondly known, made his Test debut in 1999 against India at the MCG and almost intimidated the Indian batters with his fiery pace, finishing with a 5-wicket haul in the first innings. The New South Wales seamer is capable of bowling lethal quick bouncers and the well disguised slower ball has been a great asset in his armoury, along with the disastrous yorker delivery. Lee has a knack of swinging the ball both ways when it’s new and reverse it when it’s old. With a charging run-up and aggressive on-field antics, it was evident that the kind of impact he made was a long-lasting one. His most successful performances came under Ricky Ponting’s captaincy, where he developed smarter and better ways of bowling at opponents and matured into an exemplary bowler.

In a career that spanned over a decade of speedy spells, Lee was part of the most devastating bowling attack in the Aussie camp, along with Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie. But when McGrath retired, Binga did an excellent job of spearheading his nation's pace attack, and his Test and ODI record justified that claim. However, fast bowlers are always prone to injuries and Lee has been no exception. With frequent injuries of the elbow and ankle, side strains and stress fractures, his career began to take a U-turn and soon, Lee gave up his baggy green, announcing retirement in early 2010 with a view to prolong his ODI and T20I career. With 310 wickets in 76 appearances, Lee ended his Test career on a high note but continued to build his ODI repertoire.
Brett has been participating in the IPL since its inception, first under the Punjab franchise and later plying his trade for the Kolkata. In 2012, a serious calf injury ruled him out in the middle of the England series, following which the veteran announced his international retirement, whilst continuing to play domestic Twenty20 competitions. In 2013, Brett returned to the Knight Riders camp, with an additional role of a bowling mentor, along with being his side's opening bowler.

Fast Facts

• Brett Lee was recognized as Australia’s Test Player of the Year in 2008.
• He became the first bowler in the history of Twenty20 International cricket to take a hat-trick.

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Career

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