Brett Lee Opens Up On First Meeting With Sachin Tendulkar, Says He Was Hoping To Get An Autograph
Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee revealed that he was a huge fan of the former Indian batter, Sachin Tendulkar, and was very keen on getting an autograph when he met him for the first time.
Lee and Tendulkar shared an intense rivalry back in their hay days. On the occasion of Tendulkar’s 49th birthday, Lee spoke about his childhood where he grew up watching Tendulkar, hoping to have a go at him in the future.
“I met Sachin for the first time way back in 1999 in Canberra. I was playing in the Prime Minister’s XI against the touring Indian team, which of course had Sachin in it.
“It was a practice match when he came out to bat and I’m bowling to the great Sachin Tendulkar. I actually thought, ‘I might get an autograph. Get the ball and say, ‘Hey mate, can you please sign this’.”
“I thought that would look cool as my first impression. As a young kid growing up, I watched the wonderful Tendulkar and here I was, bowling to him.
“I managed to nick him off and we shook hands at the end of the game. I was in absolute awe of this wonderful man,” Lee revealed on Brett Lee TV on YouTube.
“Every time Sachin walked out to bat, there was massive applause” – Brett Lee
Tendulkar is well-loved and highly respected in most parts of the world, including Australia. Although going down under is quite a scary proposition for visiting players, Tendulkar enjoyed the love and support of the Aussie fans as well, as per Lee.
“Most players who are not from Australia receive a fair bit of flak. They normally get booed. The crowd appreciates the players but doesn’t want to show it… that’s the Australian culture.
“But every time Sachin walked out to bat, there was massive applause, not only from the Australians but also from the touring Indians who were a part of fans that flew in from around the world to watch Sachin.”
“Every time Sachin managed to get a fifty or a hundred, we used to hear a huge noise. I haven’t seen any other player who toured Australia to get that response… get that standing ovation after reaching 150. Just an incredible guy!” Lee further mentioned.
