Brett Lee Rates India-Australia Test Rivalry Equivalent To The Ashes

After Steve Waugh and Nathan Lyon, former Australian speedster Brett Lee has revealed his take on the Australia-India rivalry being at par with the Ashes. The India-Australia feud is one of the oldest and also one of the most exciting today, built upon some of the outstanding cricketers to have played.

In an exclusive interview with Times of India, Brett Lee spoke about its importance in detail and in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

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While it did not seem like international cricket would return to normalcy this year, the ongoing series of England and West Indies in the United Kingdom has flagged signs of encouragement.

India, who are slated to tour Australia later this year, would arguably be one of the most exciting clashes and will go ahead as planned. After tasting defeat on the last occasion down under, Tim Paine’s men would look to avenge the loss and reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

According to Brett Lee, the India-Australia rivalry is quite essential for world cricket, regardless of where it takes place. While the 43-year old admits the contest between Australia and England is the pinnacle, the battle between Australia and India is undoubtedly getting at the top too. Lee made his debut against India when they visited the land down under in 1999.

“The tour is so important. Anytime that India gets the chance to tour Australia or vice-versa. It always was Australia versus England in the Ashes. That was always the pinnacle. I do believe now that this (Australia vs India) is definitely at par. When Australia play India in a Test series, that’s definitely right up there with the best competition to watch and the best rivalry. There’s definitely no love lost, but the two nations appreciate the cricket which they play,” Lee stated.

“Hopefully, playing sports will put a smile on people’s faces” : Brett Lee

The 43-year old iterated the severity of the situation created in the world due to a global health crisis. In light of that, Lee believes that an exciting clash between two of the best teams can put smile on people’s faces.

Hence, Brett Lee believes that in times of uncertainty, people of India and Australia can rely on cricket as the silver lining.

“In the situation that we’ve been through with COVID-19, I think everyone has been in their house for a number of months. If there is some way that we can get cricket played in Australia, which I’m sure that we can, in a number of months’ time, I think it’s really really important for world cricket. It’s very important for Australian cricket, but also, it’s important for the players.

The players (India and Australia) love playing against each other. I see this being the silver lining of what’s been a pretty dark, low end of summer and winter for us. Obviously for you guys too. But it’s been a horrible time in the world and I know we can’t change the deaths, we can’t change what has happened, but hopefully, playing sports will put a smile on people’s faces,” the New South Wales pacer added.

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