Umran Malik should play for India, can’t fathom how Cameron Green isn't in the Australia squad: Brett Lee

Former Australia international Brett Lee has expressed his disappointment and shock at Umran Malik and Cameron Green not getting picked up by their respective sides for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia.

The speedster who was recently seen for Australia Legends in the Road Safety World Series 2022 has said that the Jammu & Kashmir pacer could have done a lot of damage in the Australian conditions, as the pitches often provide pace and extra bounce.

The 22-year-old made his India debut earlier this year but was very expensive in all the three matches that he played against Ireland and England. However, his performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has shown that the youngster has got the talent to make it count on the international stage. This is one of the reasons why the former Australia pace spearhead wanted Umran to be a part of the India squad for the multi-nation tournament.

“I would love to see Umran Malik unleashed in Australia, yes. So, to me the big surprises of his T20 World Cup - Umran Malik for India, I think he should play,” said Lee.

Talking about Cameron Green, Lee believes that the youngster should have featured in the Aussie squad for the mega tournament. The 45-year-old went on to say that it was difficult for him to understand the decision.

“Cameron Green has to play for Australia. I can't fathom how Cameron Green isn't in the team,” Lee added.

Lee talks about importance of pace in Australia

With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of the competition and Bhuvneshwar Kumar failing in the death overs, India currently lacks a death-over specialist in the team. Youngster Arshdeep Singh has done well in the Asia Cup but his spot in the playing XI is not guaranteed. According to several reports, either Mohammad Siraj, Mohammad Shami or Deepak Chahar is likely to replace Bumrah.

However, Lee feels, it’s the speedsters who can create magic at the death and not swing bowlers. Focusing on the importance of pacers, Lee said how the extra bounce often helps in the Australian conditions.

“Pace and bounce are crucial but if you are bowling pace at the death and if you are going to bowl length, you are going to be taken down. So, pace up front is good, and pace at the back is good too but it also depends on how well you deliver and execute your plans. So the extra bounce is more so for the batsman, how the batsman handles the extra bit of bounce because the sub-continent batters aren't used to that pace and bounce,” Lee said during a match of the Legends League Cricket.