Brett Lee Raises Questions Over Australia's Decision To Rest Pat Cummins

Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has questioned the Australian team-management’s decision to rest star pacer Pat Cummins from the last ODI and the upcoming T20I series, which starts in Canberra on December 04.

Pat Cummins, who was a part of the Australian team during their tour of England before his multi-million dollar stint with Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League has been rested as a part of the workload management ahead of the upcoming high-voltage four-match Test series against India.

Cummins was not at his best in the two ODIs he played. He went wicketless in the first game before returning with figures of 3-67 in the second.

“It probably wouldn’t have been his call, he probably would have wanted to play, the players generally want to play,” Brett Lee told Foxsports.com.au.

“I would have thought after a couple of games they shouldn’t be tired. I always found that for my rhythm personally that the more games I played the better rhythm I had,” Lee further added.

Brett Lee further added that a player should only be rested if he is carrying a niggle and not otherwise.

“If I had a week’s break, whether it be a break in the tournament or whether I was rested, it’s almost like you’ve got to go back and find that rhythm again,” he said.

“There could be a guy who is carrying a hamstring injury or a little niggle, shoulder might be a bit sore, and the best way to get them into their best preparation is to have a few days off. That’s fine but if they’re fully fit they should be playing.”

Brett Lee’s comments come a day after legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne slammed the Australian thinktank for resting Pat Cummins. Warne questioned where IPL was being prioritized over Australian cricket.

”I know it is a big summer that we have and it is pretty jam-packed, but I don’t think Australian players should be resting after two games. Why are they resting? Is it because they played IPL? So they are allowed to go and play all these games in the IPL and then they need a rest because they have been playing in IPL?” asked Shane Warne.

“Surely playing for Australia is more important than playing in the IPL. So I would say you should choose. Either miss the IPL or you cannot miss games because you need a break coming off an IPL for an Australian game.” he added.

Also Read- Shane Warne Questions Australia’s Decision to Rest Pat Cummins For The 3rd ODI