A look at his top moments of Brett Lee
When it comes to pace bowling in cricket, there are a number of legendary bowlers who have dominated the sport. As for the modern-day cricket, Australia's Brett Lee is considered as one of the most dangerous pacers to have ever played the sport. As the legend celebrates his 43rd birthday, we take a look at some of his top career moments.
A Test debut to remember
On his Test debut itself, in December 1999 against India, Lee gave a glimpse of his talent in the very opening over, claiming a wicket off his fourth ball. As he claimed 5/47 in the opening innings, he became the second Aussie pacer to claim a five-for in his debut innings. The first Aussie to achieve this feat was legendary Dennis Lillee.
Rattles South Africa with a five-for
Lee had a special knack of claiming fifers and he continued the streak throughout his career. During an ODI in 2006 in Melbourne, against South Africa, it was his prolific spell of 5/22, which bundled the Proteas for 186, as the latter were chasing a total 245, while the Aussies won by 59 runs. It was also the best ODI spell of his career.
Hits the biggest six in history
Usually Lee was a force to reckon with as a pacer, his batting also did the talking on a particular occasion. It was in 2005 in Brisbane when Lee hit probably the longest six in Test cricket, against West Indies, which traveled a distance of 130+ meters. While the debate still continues, a few months later, the ICC banned his graphite-reinforced bat.
Almost ending Alex Tudor's career with lethal bouncer
Lee was ferocious, owing to his lethal pace, and as a result, he bowled deadly bouncers. On the same note, it was during the 2002-03 Ashes, when England's Alex Tudor felt the wrath of the legend as on the deadly track of Perth, the latter was hit neat his eye through his helmet. As he was ruled out, he never played a Test thereafter.
A hat-trick to remember
It would not have been fair if a legendary pacer like Lee did not have a hat-trick in cricket. He did get it, and it came at the most important platform, in the super-six stage of the 2003 ICC World Cup, when he rattled Kenya from 3/0 to 3/3. Australia comfortably won the match by five wickets, which guaranteed their place in the semis.
