iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
Course offers training in English language, interviewing skills, resume writing, and job search tips
KT APPDOWNLOAD
It was Definitely my Choice: Lee
DUBAI - When Australia pacer Brett Lee recently announced his retirement from Test cricket last week, it might have surprised many in the cricketing fraternity and rumours were rife that he even consulted England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who forsook the red ball to extend his ODI and Twenty20 cricketing career.
But, Lee said no one influenced his decision and it was completely his choice. “I had spoken to Flintoff but that was not about retirement. It definitely was my choice,” he said.
“It was obviously a big decision and it was the right decision. it didn’t happen overnight, it was like four or five months’ process. After much thinking, it came down to two or three things. The first one being the lifestyle: I have got a young boy and I didn’t want to be away from home. Second was my body: I couldn’t play all the three formats of the game as injuries kept coming back. Third: I have got a lot of other interests in life as well. So, now I have more time to chase other dreams and aspirations,” added Lee, who made his Test debut against India in 1999.
While Lee admitted that he would miss Test Cricket, he said he would still love to play for Australia in other formats of the game. “I want to play for Australia for some more years. I know it was a tough decision since Test Cricket has been a part of my life and a very special one at that. I really enjoyed it.”
Lee, who has taken 310 wickets in 76 Tests, the fourth-highest tally among all Australian bowlers, said that he was eagerly waiting to play the Indian Preimer League (IPL).
“I’m looking forward to it. For me it’s an opportunity to play cricket. I love the tournament which was held in South Africa last year and is back to India this year. It’s an amazing series and I’m pretty excited.”
Lee has been picked for the preliminary 30-man squad for the World Twenty20 which will be held in the Caribbean in April-May. “It will be exciting to be playing in the World Cup. I should be getting my confidence playing in the IPL considering the World Twenty20. I’m working very hard on my fitness and hopefully I should do well.”
Lee had to miss out playing the Ashes after sustaining a side strain on the eve of the first Test in England in . “I had to miss out on the Ashes and for me it was very frustruating (frustrating) since I had worked so hard to get my pace back.
“I played the Champions Trophy in South Africa and the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 in India last year. I bowled well even in my first game in Abu Dhabi, where I bowled my first ball at 150km. The injuries were really frustrating,” added Lee who bagged a team-best 26 wickets in the Champions League.
The Aussie pacer was quick to respond that he is a fan of Sachin Tendulkar and loved to bowl at him. “Sachin and and Brian Lara are some of the guys I would love to bowl. I’m lucky that I’m not bowling to Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting. I’m a big fan of Sachin and it’s been absolutely fantastic to bowl to Sachin.”
More news from
Beloved to tourists as well as residents, these spots not only fulfil your food and shopping cravings, but also provide experiences in nature
It means that residents are within a quarter-hour walk or bike ride from everything they need to a lead a good life
The Minister of Youth shared some exercises — from walking to fitness and balance training — integral to his reconditioning programme
Pezeshkian's remarks came as the Islamic republic marked the anniversary of the September 2022 death of 22-year-old Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini in police custody
Agents opened fire on a gunman who was spotted with an assault-style rifle hiding in bushes at one of Trump's Florida golf courses
The superfans stumping for Kamala Harris are not formally affiliated with the artist who unites them
From choosing secure connections to avoiding risky pop-ups, here's how you can protect your privacy