'No one wants to face that': Brett Lee Names Fiery Indian Pacer's Name As Shami's BGT Replacement

With less than one month remaining before the start of the much-anticipated India vs Australia Border Gavaskar Trophy, Team India is embroiled in an enthralling contest against New Zealand. The objective of the side would be to hit the peak form and take the momentum down under. When the action takes centerstage in India, the side heavily relies on its spin prowess to get it past the finish line. However, in Australia, the same strength loses volume as the pitches there are more suited to pacers. Subsequently, the onus would fall on Jasprit Bumrah to spearhead the attack. Bumrah will fetch support from Mohammed Siraj. Still, an ace from the pack is missing.

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Brett Lee Names Shami's Replacement For BGT

Mohammed Shami, who emerged as a prolific wicket-taker for India especially in the longest format of the game, might not make it to the cut. The pacer underwent knee surgery after delivering an exceptional performance in the ODI World Cup 2023. He has since been out of action. Nevertheless, he has recovered but the suspense on whether he will be named in the India squad that will tour Australia for the five Test matches is still at large. Paying heed to India's situation, former Australia bowler, Brett Lee has asserted the name of a youngster, who could prove to be a fitting replacement for Shami.

Mayank Yadav should be on the plane to Australia if Mohammed Shami is not available for selection, asserted Brett Lee, one of the most devastatingly destructive bowlers, who has high hopes from the Indian pace sensation on the true, bouncy wickets Down Under.

Aiming to qualify for a third successive World Test Championship (WTC) final, India will be travelling to Australia next month to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and doubts remain over seasoned seamer Shami's selection in the squad for the five-match Test series.

"I can tell you that batters are okay when you bowl that 135-140 kmph speed, but when you bowl high 150s, I don't care who it is, no one wants to face that.

"He looks like someone who is a complete package, if Mohammed Shami is not ready, at least get him (Mayank) in the squad. I think he would do pretty well on these Australian wickets," Lee told Fox Cricket.
Shami has not played since featuring in the final of the ODI World Cup last November, and even though he went full tilt at the nets recently, India skipper Rohit Sharma is averse to taking an "undercooked" version of the seamer to Australia.

Former Aussie pacer Lee knows a thing or two about batters' discomfort while standing up to express pace.

Lee said, "The great thing is with me that I get to work on the IPL and see a lot of good young Indian cricketers. Mayank Yadav, to watch his first IPL game recently, hit 157 kmph first up in his first game.

"Unfortunately, his franchise probably brought him a little early and he did his side again.

"They put him in cotton wool for a bit. The great thing about India is that they are not worried about how much cricket someone has played or hasn't played, if he is ready to go, get him in there. I actually love that theory," Lee added.

(With inputs from PTI)