Brett Lee Interview

[merksfi]

Brett Lee Interview
Courtesy of: Sports Force Interactive Network

In an exclusive interview with the Sports Force Interactive network just over two weeks out from the much anticipated 2009 Ashes Series, the spearhead of the Australian attack 32 year-old Brett Lee admits he was devastated when Australia lost the second test the last time they were in England.

“I was devastated, because we had gotten so close against the odds. But on the other side of the coin, it was a fantastic game and I was pleased to play a part. “ Brett said during the interview.

Many believe the 32 year old fast bowler, who has been the spearhead of the Australian attack for a number of years, is heading towards the end of his career – one that has seen him take 310 Test Match Wickets at 30.81, and 303 One Day International wickets at an average of 22.95 – his Indian fans are hoping that if he does call curtains on his career he would return to their country and pursue a career in Bollywood, something that Brett says is on his mind

“I No plans set in concrete, but I take up practically every opportunity I get to spend time in India. If I get calls from Bollywood, I would be very happy. From my experiences so far, the music and the movies are great fun.” Brett said whether he had any plans to make a name for himself in Bollywood.

In a career that has seen Brett Lee pull on the Green and Gold of Australia on 265 occasions, Brett has had many milestones, including a hat-trick at the World Cup, and seven scores of 50 or more in Tests and One Day level – with many fans wondering what, in his mind, was his ultimate career highlight.

“My greatest memories are always team-related. Winning – whether it be a single Test match, a series or a World Cup – is when we are happiest and where the lifelong memories are made. The individual stuff is satisfying, but the real joy comes from sharing success with teammates.”

With the 2009 NPower Ashes Series just over two weeks away there were many questions left to be answered, Brett has recently been hampered by injuries and has not played a Test Match since the Boxing Day Test against South Africa.

During the time that Brett has been on the sidelines a number of domestic players have stood up to the plate at international level, the likes of Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus have all taken their chances playing in the Green and Gold of Australia – and with those players now locked in a battle with Brett Lee for a place in the first test for the series.

“I think we are all looking forward to the competition not only against England but also amongst ourselves. It will be friendly but intense. It is great news for our team, because the competition will continue throughout the series, and won’t just end with selection of the team for the first test.”

Travelling back to the Mother Country, where on their last visit the Australians’ lost the Ashes, the pressure in on the Australians to perform, and they have not been playing their best cricket as of late.

How does Brett Lee see the Ashes series? Do England have an advantage due to Australia’s’ current poor form and the spate of retirements from the team?

“If you look at the squads on paper, you would be thinking that we are in for a very close series. I hope the English players are underestimating us, but I doubt they are. We have some great new players and a few old hard heads too.”

Many greats such as Geoff Lawson, have questioned whether due to the lack of match practice, and the obvious fitness concerns whether Brett Lee should have been selected for the Ashes squad in the first place.

“To be honest, I am not really motivated by the comments of past players although, of course, they are entitled to an opinion. I am driven to succeed by my own pride and a willingness not to let down my teammates. I think these are more important motivating factors.”

In Brett’s mind, the Australians’ following their 2009 ICC Twenty20 World Cup early elimination have prepared well and are ready for the Ashes Series, with fans from both countries hopeful of a tough yet exciting series.

The Interview

Being one of the quickest bowlers ever you must have a good fitness regime, what are some of the training activities you have done throughout your career to continue your peak fitness?

As a fast bowler, the one constant for me is building core strength around the base of my back, stomach and hips. It is a key part of injury prevention, but also the area from which I drive a lot of power.

Unfortunately, my training over the years has sometimes been dictated by rehabilitation. For example, in recent months I have worked hard on rebuilding strength and muscle after losing a lot of weight with a virus last year.


Following your most recent injury a number of domestic players stood up to the plate at International level, how hard are you fighting to regain your position in the team? And is their (the bowlers who have stood up to the plate) a good sign for the future of Australian cricket?

I think we are all looking forward to the competition not only against England but also amongst ourselves. It will be friendly but intense. It is great news for our team, because the competition will continue throughout the series, and won’t just end with selection of the team for the first Test.

What is some advice you would give to young players focusing their skills on being a pace/fast bowler?

Put in the hard work. No one ever played for Australia without dedication and hard work. Go the extra yard, not only in skills but also in fitness.

Throughout your career you have passed many milestones, what would you say your career highlight has been? What do you consider the best ball you have every bowled? And who has the toughest batsmen you have bowled to?

My greatest memories are always team-related. Winning – whether it be a single Test match, a series or a World Cup – is when we are happiest and where the lifelong memories are made. The individual stuff is satisfying, but the real joy comes from sharing success with teammates.

You were a part of the acrimonious India`s tour of Australia in 2007/8. How tough was it for you as someone who has a great relation with India and also with the Indian team to deal with the whole situation with allegations going around and tempers flaring up on both sides.

It was a competitive series and sometimes the emotions flowed over, most of it borne out of the competitiveness of both teams. We were both desperate to win. We have enormous respect for the Indian cricket team, and I hope they feel the same way about us.

Twenty20 Cricket has taken the world by storm; did you ever think it would grow as quickly as it has? Do you enjoy that format of the game?

It has surprised me a little bit, but in a good way. The marketing experts tell me that we are expanding the number of people who are following cricket, which has to be good. Personally, I enjoy playing the game, and it may even prolong my career at the top level.

Now moving onto the 2009 Ashes Series, What is your favorite thing about the old enemy – England?

It is a bit of a cliché, but it is the tradition. We are following in the footsteps of the some of the game’s greatest cricketers. Also, I think supporters of both teams also fire up for an Ashes series, which also excites the players

Do you think England has the advantage as many key Australian heavyweights have retired?

If you look at the squads on paper, you would be thinking that we are in for a very close series. I hope the English players are underestimating us, but I doubt they are. We have some great new players, and a few old hard heads too.

You were at the non-striker's end as that historic catch was taken by Geraint Jones to win the second Ashes test for England during your last visit to England. What did Freddie Flintoff say to you when he patted you on the back? And how gutted were you when those events took place?

I was devastated, because we had gotten so close against the odds. But on the other side of the coin, it was a fantastic game and I was pleased to play a part. Freddie said all the right things to me, as you would expect from a true gentleman of the game.

Although your returning from injury, many so called “Greats” of the game are questioning whether you should have been selected for the team, what is your aim during the Ashes to prove the so called greats wrong?

To be honest, I am not really motivated by the comments of past players although, of course, they are entitled to an opinion. I am driven to succeed by my own pride and a willingness not to let down my teammates. I think these are more important motivating factors.

The Twenty20 failure from the Australian team was not the ideal preparation ahead of the upcoming Ashes Series – what are some of the things the team has talked about and worked on heading into the series?

We wanted to win the Twenty20 World Cup, but when we didn’t we quickly moved on. We didn’t wallow in pity, but rather quickly re-adjusted our focus and objectives for the following weeks and it has worked out well. We have worked hard, not only on the track but also in our planning. We also rested and had a little bit of fun together, which is always important on along tour.


You seem to have taken a shine to Bollywood, are there any plans to do more work in Bollywood after you call curtains on your career?

No plans set in concrete, but I take up practically every opportunity I get to spend time in India. If I get calls from Bollywood, I would be very happy. From my experiences so far, the music and the movies are great fun.

There have been a number of people talking about a merged domestic cricket competition with teams from Australia and New Zealand following Netballs’ example. What are your thoughts on this idea?

I don’t have an opinion at this stage – I am a player not an administrator. But if it is good for the game, it is good for me. The Sheffield Shield is the strongest domestic competition in the world and the one reason why the Australian team has been so successful. We would not want to lose this benefit but, on the other hand, we all have an obligation to ensure the game grows and succeeds internationally.

The womens’ cricket game has been improving, with public awareness being raised with the 50 Over World Cup held in Sydney recently, and the T20 World Cup being played alongside the men’s’ tournament. What other ways do you think the Womens’ game can be improved at both domestic and international level?

Promotion of the sport and greater participation levels are the key factors. The thing I notice most about the girls’ game is their genuine passion and enthusiasm. In some ways, it doesn’t need much improving on the basis that having fun is the most important aspect of playing sport.

[Howsie]

Nice interview.

And I got my question answered to which was cool.


Thanks.

[aussie1st]

Interesting to hear that he doesn't get fired up with comments about him in the media. Most players seem to get lifted by that.

As expected he is very committed to his training and the team.

Thanks again for the interview Merk.

[King Cricket]

I didn't get a direct answer to my question, but anyway, the interview was great.
Thanks Merk for arranging such a cool interview.

[aditya123]

I got my question answered as well ! Great !
Thanks for that.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

That was a great interview i got my question answered as well

Thanks a lot to Sports Force Interactive for this wonderful opputunity

[Binnu]

Posted via Mobile Device I have got my question answered but my question to the interviewer is was the questioned asked by me got edited or whether someone other member did ask the same question. Anyways i got my question answered.

[Pranav]

I didn't get my question answered, but nevertheless, its a great interview and thanks again for the opurtunity provided for the same.

[KBC]

Brilliant Interview. I just hope everything goes fine for Lee. Thanks SFI and Merk!, Great Job! (y)

[hMarka]

thanks for the opp to ask Lee questions, hope is in the attack at Cardiff

[Binnu]

My question to INTERVIEWER

Was the question related to bollywood was asked by me or even someone else..??

BTW, I got my question answered..

[merksfi]

Originally Posted by binnurox

My question to INTERVIEWER

Was the question related to bollywood was asked by me or even someone else..??

BTW, I got my question answered..

There were a number of questions about Bollywood and so I asked a more general question regarding Bollywood.

On another occassion there were a couple questions asked by numerous people that I just mixed together.

And some the questions were just too long and had like three or four questions involved and I edited them to smaller questions to make it easier to ask.

I am glad you all liked them and hopefully in the future with my interviews with more cricketers that I already have lined up I may come back to offer the same opportunity.