Current Indian pace attack 'fastest ever', says Brett Lee

Sydney, Mar 24: Former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee today termed the current Indian pace attack as the "fastest ever" to have emerged from the cricket-crazy nation, with Mohammed Shami being the "most impressive" among the trio in the World Cup.

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The three-pronged pace attack comprising Umesh Yadav and Mohit Sharma, besides Shami, has so far accounted for 42 out of the 70 wickets for India in the ongoing mega event.

Asked if the trio of Shami, Yadav and Sharma are the fastest ever bowling unit to have represented India, Lee said, "I think it will definitely be up there, yes. When they are on song and bowling fast, then they are definitely up there as I mentioned.

They are in the 145kmph barrier. "If they land in the right spot, then they have a really good chance to get wickets and win."

The fastest bowler during his time in international cricket, the 38-year-old was all praise for Shami, with whom he had spent a couple seasons in IPL playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

"Mohammad Shami has got the most number of wickets in the tournament and he is right up there. He has been really impressive. I have actually played a fair bit of cricket with Shami over the last couple of years and he is a wonderful guy. He comes in hard.

"Umesh Yadav is another bowler, who bowls at a good pace. They have got a three-prong pace attack that can all bowl quick up towards a 145kmph mark," the speed merchant said in appreciation.

Although his heart is with Australia, Lee felt India do have a good chance to win the semi-finals against the hosts.

"I think India do have a very good chance to win the game. I will obviously always back Australia being an Australian player. But having said that, India have got a great side and have great momentum going. So as I said it is going to be a tough game and I am looking forward to Thursday."

Like many other former stars, Lee too is not surprised at India's remarkable turnaround. "Not really. I know what India can do on the cricket field. They have got great players and a lot of experience to think that they have played pretty ordinary cricket against Australia throughout this summer.

Then to turn it around and win seven games back-to-back just goes to show how much they love playing in the big tournament. They are defending champions too, so we have to keep that in mind."

PTI