'India Know They Can Beat Australia': Brett Lee Showers Massive Praise On Rohit Sharma & Co.

Former Australian speedster Brett Lee has praised the Indian cricket team, calling them a "powerhouse" that refuses to back down to any opponent. Lee's comments come ahead of India's upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, where they will defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Despite India's recent defeat to New Zealand in the first Test match in Bengaluru, Brett Lee believes that the Rohit Sharma -led team has the skills and confidence to beat any team, including Australia. He noted that India's aggressive playing style may have been influenced by the "Bazball" approach, which emphasizes attacking cricket. India were bowled out for just 46 runs in the first innings of the opening Test against Kiwis. It is India's lowest Test total at home and third-lowest overall.

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Brett Lee showers praise on India

Brett Lee also offered some constructive criticism, suggesting that India should have been more cautious in their batting approach, especially in overcast conditions. He emphasized the importance of assessing conditions and adjusting their game plan accordingly.

"This day and age, India is a powerhouse that don't want to bow down. They know how to win, and they know they can beat Australia; they know they can beat the Kiwis. They know they can beat anyone on any given day," Lee told 'Fox Cricket'.

"India just didn't go into their shell. Maybe it's Bazball brushing off on other cricketers around the world," he noted.

"I know that India won't be proud of the way they played. They played some pretty loose shots." 

India's decision to bat first in overcast conditions raised eyebrows, as the team was bowled out for 46 in the first innings of the opening Test, its lowest Test score at home.

Brett Lee said the side needs to "weigh up the risk factor" and added the Indians should have judged the conditions better.

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"But, you've got to weigh up the risk factor as well. There are times when you've got to go, 'Okay, well, maybe the big shots aren't working today'.

"Maybe, just rein it in a little bit. I don't think they sort of summed up the conditions as quickly as what they should have done," Lee said.

India play two more Tests against New Zealand -- Pune (October 24-28) and Mumbai (November 1-5) -- before leaving for Australia.

(With PTI inputs)