“MacGill playing in the Warne era” - Brett Lee’s hilarious dig at Australia pacer ahead of BGT 2024-25 3rd Test

Former Australia speedster Brett Lee believes that Josh Hazlewood should play ahead of Scott Boland in the third Test against India in Brisbane, which starts on December 14. Lee reckoned that Boland is no match for Hazlewood, who he believes is a quality bowler.

The cricketer-turned-commentator, however, lauded Boland for delivering in Hazlewood's absence (due to a low grade left side injury) citing the example of Stuart Macgill during Shane Warne's era.

For the unversed, Boland picked up five wickets in Hazlewood's absence in the second Test, where Australia won by 10 wickets. This was his first Test since Ashes 2023.

The 35-year-old has played just 11 Tests with 40 wickets since making his debut in 2021. He has missed a majority of games due to injuries.

On the other hand, Hazlewood has bagged 278 wickets in 71 Tests. He was recently grilled by experts for his comments regarding the batters in a 534-run chase in the series opener.

Brett Lee told Fox Sports (via Indian Express):

"It’s unfortunate for Scott Boland because when he’s had his opportunity he’s nailed it. I look at Scott Boland and I probably think he’s a bit like MacGill playing in the Warne era."

MacGill took 200 Test wickets bowling when Shane Warne was either injured or out for other reasons. So he was a quality, quality bowler," he added.

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"You’d have to go back on form" - Brett Lee wants Australia to give Josh Hazlewood new ball in Brisbane Test

Brett Lee reckoned that Australia should give Josh Hazlewood the new ball in the Brisbane Test against India subject to his availability owing to his fitness. Lee said in the same interaction:

“Look it’s a tough one but you’d have to go back on form and what Josh Hazlewood has done. For me personally, Josh Hazlewood slips straight back in. If he’s fully fit he gets the new ball or at least is definitely back in the team."

Josh Hazlewood had picked up five wickets, including a four-wicket haul, in the first Test in Perth but India won that game by 295 runs. The 33-year-old has bagged 56 wickets in 16 Tests against India.