Brett Lee advocates on-field aggression

Brett Lee in action in the Big Bash League earlier this year

Former Australian speedster Brett Lee on Thursday advocated on field aggression by players such as Virat Kohli and Dale Steyn, saying it makes cricket more exciting. He however pointed out that the players should know how to curb their aggression and learn to limit themselves, reports IBNLive.

Recently, Indian bowler Ishant Sharma was suspended for a match as his on-field behaviour breached the ICC code of conduct during the Colombo Test against Sri Lanka. As a result, the pacer will not be able to play the first Test against South Africa starting on November 5.

"You have to have characters in the game like Andrew Symonds, Shoaib Akhtar, Sreesanth, Andre Nel, Dale Steyn, Virat Kohli. Kohli is a completely different guy on and off the field. That's fine and good that gets him to play good cricket," Lee said.

Lee said international players need to remain mentally strong and curb their emotions."I don't support someone being suspended. Also you don't want to change the game into bunch of puppets, running around just going through the motions. You need to have exciting players, characters in the game," he said.

Indian bowlers have to bowl on tough wickets: Lee

When asked about the performance of Indian team against South Africa and its bowling line-up, Lee defended the hosts by saying that the Indian bowlers were given a tough pitch and moreover the curators should concentrate on making the pitch suitable for the seamers.

"Indian bowlers have to bowl on very tough wickets. It is a tough place to bowl here, I always say that. The onus is on the groundsmen to prepare wickets that are more helpful and supportive to fast bowling. Because 438 is too many runs in ODI cricket," he said.

According to Lee, it has now become difficult for the seamers to perform consistently in all the three formats of the game.

"It is always difficult for a fast bowler to start and be consistent in all the formats of the game. Because you are always putting your body on the line every single time you bowl. That is why not many people can do it consistently, because it is so hard. That is why you would have to give your bowlers a bit more," he said.

Brett Lee is one of the fastest bowlers of his time in international cricket and he is into commentary and coaching young bowlers now.

"At the moment I am wearing a couple of hats. I am doing commentary, which I love which keeps me into the game. Also help young fast bowlers like Pat Cummins. He is going through a tough period, but he will bounce back as he is a wonderful player," Lee concluded.