T20 World Cup 2021: For Me, The Expectation Is That Australia Will Go And Win The Tournament - Brett Lee

Former fast bowler Brett Lee has put out his expectations for Australia to “go and win” the ongoing T20 World Cup. He has backed his nation to go deep in the tournament despite their underwhelming form in the shortest format.

Australia have lost their last 5 T20I series – against England, India, New Zealand, West Indies, and Bangladesh – since cricket began in the pandemic era. It can be argued that they were without their full-strength side for most of the matches though.

Brett Lee admitted that Australia haven’t had the best of the time leading into the T20 World Cup – but remained optimistic about their chances to lift their maiden T20 title.

“For me, the expectation is that Australia will go and win the tournament. I know they might be high expectations but if you don’t go and set the bar very high, you are not going to succeed,” Brett Lee was quoted by Times Now News.

“We have not had a lot of success in this format – it is time we changed it and we do have a side that can take it all the way. It obviously won’t be easy, especially when you look at how strong teams like England, India and New Zealand are.”

For me, the key is David Warner: Brett Lee

Brett Lee has singled out David Warner to be the main man for Australia in the tournament. He reckoned the left-hander was “harshly dealt with” during the IPL – where he was sacked as SRH’s captain and dropped from the eleven – which “may have knocked some confidence” out of the opener.

Warner has been in poor form – his last two knocks in the UAE leg of the IPL were 0 and 2, while in the two warm-up matches, he registered 0 and 1.

“But this Australian side is loaded with talent and for me, the key is David Warner. I would like to say he is saving the runs for the games that count after his IPL form! He was really harshly dealt with there and it may have knocked some confidence out of him but he thrives on the big stage. Everything should be rosy for him here, class is permanent,” the pacer-turned-commentator added.

Australia defeated New Zealand in their first warm-up match before being outplayed by India in the second warm-up fixture. They meet South Africa for their opening encounter of the Super 12 stage on Saturday afternoon in Abu Dhabi.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2021: Jason Roy Comments On Missing Ben Stokes And Jofra Archer In The England Squad, Feels It Is A “Shame”