Sachin Tendulkar is extensively considered one of many biggest batters in cricket historical past, with many followers and specialists even calling him the ‘God of Cricket’. Nonetheless, former Australia quick bowler Brett Lee has positioned one other legend forward of Tendulkar relating to figuring out the best cricketer general.Talking on the BeerBiceps podcast, Lee drew a transparent distinction between being the perfect batter and being the perfect all-round cricketer. Whereas he had no hesitation in naming Tendulkar as the best batter he had seen, the Australian picked former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis as his alternative for the perfect cricketer.
‘Greatest Batsman Is Sachin Tendulkar, Greatest Cricketer Is Jacques Kallis’
Lee acknowledged Tendulkar’s extraordinary batting legacy however argued that Kallis’ capacity to contribute with each bat and ball places him in a special class.“I’ve all the time stated that I believe that the perfect batsman to ever play the sport is Sachin Tendulkar. However the perfect cricketer is Jacques Kallis. He is acquired the perfect numbers on the planet. For those who take a look at his stats, the stats do not lie. He is unbelievable,” Brett Lee stated.
Lee admired Kallis’ calm strategy
Lee’s admiration for Kallis additionally got here from watching the South African intently throughout their time as opponents and later as teammates within the IPL. Kallis represented Kolkata Knight Riders from 2011 to 2014, whereas Lee performed for the franchise between 2011 and 2013. Their time collectively gave Lee a possibility to look at Kallis away from the worldwide highlight.The previous Australia pacer was significantly impressed by Kallis’ remarkably relaxed strategy earlier than matches.“However to be alongside as a teammate and to look at him put together for a recreation, his coronary heart charge was about 30 beats a minute earlier than going out to bat as he was chilled out. So relaxed,” Lee added.
Kallis’ numbers again Lee’s argument
Kallis’ document supplies a robust statistical case for Lee’s evaluation. In Take a look at cricket, Kallis amassed 13,289 runs at a median of 55.37, together with 45 centuries, whereas additionally taking 292 wickets at 32.65 and finishing 200 catches. His ODI document was equally spectacular. He scored 11,579 runs at a median of 44.36, together with 17 centuries, and claimed 273 wickets at 31.79.
