Brett’s future

“I’m not embarrassed to say that I expect to lead the pace attack and take that brand new ball again for Australia,”

Brett Lee

I wouldn’t want to embarrass you Brett, and I think you’re swell and all.

But have you been watching this series?

Australia is going pretty well, and you aren’t there.

In India, Australia went like shit, and you were there.

At home, Australia went like shit, and you were there.

Now that wasn’t all your fault.

It also isn’t your fault that when you play the over rates are always slow.

And finally it isn’t your fault that Siddle, Clark, and Johnson all average under 30, and you don’t.

All of these things could be explained, you were injured, thin and heart broken in the two test series Australia lost.

Sure you have a long run up and seem to faff around between balls a bit, but there were 3 other bowlers and a captain who are to blame just as much for slow over rates.

And yes, those 3 average better than you, but you have something that none of them have, fast bowing hitting the bat hard consistency, a band.

So when you look at it Brett, it doesn’t look as if you should come straight back in.

The last time you averaged under 30 for a year (playing 5 or more tests) was the year 2000.

Your average against England is over 40.

Your average in England is over 45.

And lets be honest, Australia have won 3 straight tests since you left.

It’s not exactly a clear cut case for instant promotion, is it?

IS IT?

No, of course not.

Having said all that, your form against Sri Lanka, India and the West Indies was very good, and at the time I thought you may have been the best test fast bowler on earth.

I may have jumped the gun, as you were just performing against sides you already have a good record against.

You looked like a leader, but then you lost the plot, and not for the first time.

Are you an automatic choice for the new ball in England, hell no, but not a bad 4th option.

Jarrod Kimber is the new kid on the block at crikey, but he has been hangin’ tough at cricket with balls for quite some time now.