The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : T20 is serious stuff, says Lillee

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 25, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Sport

Sport - Cricket

T20 is serious stuff, says Lillee

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Australian legend Dennis Lillee and Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik gave momentum to the growing support for the Indian Premier League during an interaction with the media at the Ferozeshah Kotla here on Thursday.

Lillee observed that the youngsters played the newest version of the game for the pride of their teams and he was convinced that Twenty20 was not just about entertainment and showmanship.

“Twenty20 is serious stuff. Guys play it for the pride of the team and the country. It would not be fair to just call it entertainment,” said Lillee, who had organised the first-ever Twenty20 match between Victoria and Western Australia.

On the nature of cricket in Twenty20, Lillee said, “The format is such that even the best attack can be taken to the cleaners and a great delivery can disappear to the boundary. It is tilted towards the batsmen because people want to see fours and sixes. The bowlers will have to play with a different mindset.”

On Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar missing the IPL, Lillee said, “One person does not make a tournament. He is a bowler who can pull crowds but Twenty20 is not all about showmanship and entertainment. There is some serious element in it.”

Another Australian legend, Glenn McGrath, was at the nets of Delhi Daredevils and was seen giving tips to Mohammad Asif, the wily Pakistan speedster.

Lillee, adviser with Delhi team, said, “When you share the dressing room with some of the greats you always look out for things. For a youngster, the best thing is to sit and listen to the seniors. They can learn how to prepare for a match, how to change the line and length when required. The other day I was giving tips to Yomahesh. When McGrath left the room he patted on my shoulder and said not to worry.“

According to Malik, the IPL was hugely popular in Pakistan. “People have lapped it up like movies. It is like enjoying a movie with popcorn.”

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport