Mayank Yadav is a complete package, India should pick him for BGT if Shami misses out: Brett Lee

Former Australia cricketer Brett Lee Is highly impressed with Mayank Yadav since the Indian Premier League 2024. Mayank clicked the 150 kmph mark regularly, putting the batters in trouble.

As per Lee, India should consider him for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, slated to begin in Perth on November 22, if Mohammed Shami does not recover on time. Mayank is currently a reserve bowler for the New Zealand series at home. The team management is keeping a close look the young pacer and if considered fit, he might travel to Australia. 

“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, to hit a 157 kmph first up in his first game. Unfortunately, his franchise probably brought him a little early and he did his side again,” Lee told Fox Cricket.

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“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. 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 complete package, if Mohammed Shami is not ready, at least get him in the squad. I think he would do pretty well on these Australian wickets,” Lee remarked.

Shami can definitely hold the key: Brett Lee

If Shami recovers before the series, Lee believes that he will be extremely vital for the visitors. He also lauded Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, stating that the latter can make the new ball talk and put pressure on the Pat Cummins-led side. He reminded Australia of spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s capabilities as well.

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“Ashwin is approaching 600 wickets; he has got that beautiful shape when he bowls spin. He can bowl with the new ball as well but I think if India have to win there, then Shami can definitely hold the key. Jasprit Bumrah, we all know how good he is, he can bowl both ways, he is a great exponent of reverse swing. Mohammed Siraj knows how to make the new ball talk,” he said.