Former Australian pacer Brett Lee raises a pertinent issue regarding the T20 bowling strategy, emphasising the scarcity of yorkers among pacers, excluding Jasprit Bumrah. Brett Lee advocates for a more balanced contest between bat and ball in T20 cricket, underscoring the importance of mastering the yorker.
Nicknamed “The Bingly Blaster” for his explosive bowling style, Lee played international cricket for Australia from 1999 to 2012. He was a core member of the dominant Australian team that ruled the cricketing world during that era. Lee possessed raw pace, consistently exceeding 150 kilometres per hour throughout his career, and even clocked the record for the fastest delivery at 161.1 km/h (100.2 mph) in 2002. His accuracy and swing bowling made him a nightmare for batsmen, resulting in over 300 wickets across both Test and ODI formats. Lee was more than just a fast bowler; he was a useful lower-order batsman with a batting average exceeding 20 in Test cricket.
What Brett Lee Said
Lee commented on the subject at the launch of the Legends Intercontinental T20 league recently. He said,
“On a general rule, other than Bumrah, we haven’t seen enough fast bowlers nailing their yorkers recently,”
“I want to see fast bowlers bowl more yorkers. I still don’t reckon they execute enough yorkers at the death.”
He further added,
“If you look back at 17 years of Indian Premier League, on average a yorker goes for a strike rate of less than 100. Which tells me that one run or less per bowler that’s executed.
“Now, when you bowl a yorker and you’ve got guys who can go down and scoop you over the head, well that puts pressure on you as a bowler.
“You’ve got to set in the right field and put two men back, third man fine and back and then bowl.”
As T20 cricket evolves, the scales are tipping heavily in favour of batsmen. With the introduction of the ‘Impact Player Rule’ and the prevalence of flat pitches, bowlers faced significant challenges during the IPL. Lee, echoing sentiments shared by many former players, advocates for a restoration of balance between bat and ball in the game.
“I’m all for batters smoking the ball all over, but there has got to be something for the bowlers too. I’m not asking for a green top, where teams bowled out for 110, because that’s not good for cricket either.
“You want a good total, I think. Anywhere around that 185 mark to 230 is a good score. We’ve seen scores now of 265, 270, 277.
“It’s really hard because most bowlers now are going for 45 to 50 off their four overs.”
Brett Lee On David Warner
Australia’s dynamic young batsman, Jake Fraser-McGurk, made a scintillating debut in the IPL, sparking calls for his inclusion in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad. However, selectors opted for veteran opener David Warner, alongside Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh in the top order. Despite being a top-order batsman and Warner’s Delhi Capitals teammate, Fraser-McGurk has been named as a travelling reserve.
Lee said,
“David Warner has earned that right to go out on his own terms. And if things don’t happen for whatever reason, then he’s (McGurk) definitely there to take part.”
Despite missing several matches due to injury, Warner’s IPL performance may not have been outstanding, but his track record in T20 cricket since 2021 speaks volumes. With 834 runs at a strike rate of around 150, the southpaw has proven his mettle. Notably, Warner defied his out-of-form status before the 2021 T20 World Cup, emerging as the player of the tournament and playing a pivotal role in Australia’s historic triumph in the shortest format.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old McGurk, drafted in as a replacement for Lungi Ngidi at Delhi Capitals, showcased exceptional explosive batting prowess. In just nine games, he smashed four half-centuries at a remarkable strike rate surpassing 234.
Lee concluded by saying,
“I think if you go over there as a reserve batsman, you definitely have a chance to get an opportunity.
“That happened this year with the Delhi Capitals, he wasn’t even picked in the squad.
“Ricky Ponting rang him up late night and said come in and had a few injuries. So right time, right place.
“But the advice to him, and he articulated it beautifully to say that he’s only 22 years of age (araam se araam se). He’s got time. There’s no point rushing it.”
Also Read: IPL 2024: Brett Lee Happy That ‘Bowlers Have Been Coming into Their Own’ In IPL 2024