ICC World Cup 2019: Brett Lee chooses three probable standout speedsters for the tournament

The World Cup in England and Wales is only a week away and the excitement and hype surrounding the 50-overs tournament are on a high. Hosts England and South Africa will cross swords in the opening match of the tournament and the extravaganza will continue until July 14. The pitches during the mega event are expected to be batting friendly and bowlers won’t find it easy.

In that scenario, the role of the fast bowlers will be of prime significance as they are most likely to take charge with the new cherry and at the death. Meanwhile, former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has picked his three standout speedsters for the tournament, starting May 30. To start with, he went with his own countryman Mitchell Starc, who has dealt with a number of injuries.

“You’d have to stick with Mitchell Starc. He’s still got that quality. When that pace is up he’s hard to go past,” Lee was quoted as saying in cricket.com.au. Starc was an integral part of Australia’s victorious campaign in 2015 as he was the joint leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets from eight matches. He had an economy of 3.50 with best figures of 6/28 against New Zealand.

Praise for Jasprit Bumrah

Thereafter, Lee went for Jasprit Bumrah, whose slingy action has given nightmares to the best in the business. “What a wonderful bowler. He’s got a good record, wonderful yorker, good pace,” he mentioned. Bumrah made his ODI debut way back in 2016 and has picked up 85 wickets from 49 matches. He has also done well in Test and T20 cricket.

Lee made his third and final pick in the form of Pat Cummins, who has been a whole-hearted trier for the Australian team. “Pat Cummins: pace, accuracy, variations. He can do it all,” Lee concluded. The 26-year-old Cummins has accounted for 17 wickets in the six matches he has played in 2019 at a decent average of 14.29 and a strike-rate of 19.5.

Lee’s World Cup stats aren’t worth dismissing either. In 17 matches from 2003 to 2011, he racked up 35 wickets at an economy of 4.57 with one five-wicket haul.

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