By IANS
Sydney : Australian pace spearhead Brett Lee was an excited man after picking up his eighth five-wicket haul in Tests when he caught and bowled Ishant Sharma to end India’s first innings at 532 on the third day of the Sydney Test Friday.
Lee was thrilled to see his name being etched on a board in the changing room with all those who have taken five or more wickets at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
“It was great to take five wickets and finally get my name on the board in the SCG change rooms. It was pretty hard work as it was excruciatingly hot out there. We tried a bit too hard in the middle session when the wickets weren’t coming,” said Lee after claiming five for 119.
Lee predicted two “cracking days” left in the exciting Test match, which was highlighted by centuries from Sachin Tendulkar (154 not out) and V.V.S. Laxman (109).
“The first session of day four will be the most important of the Test and will set up the whole game,” Lee said. “If we lose a few wickets that will be in India’s favour. If we can score some quick runs, be none-down at lunch, it’s definitely going to be in our favour.”
Australia ended the third day at 13 for no loss and if they manage a win then they will equal their own world record of 16 consecutive victories.
“The incentive is to try and win the Test and go two-up in the series,” he said. “If we are lucky enough to win on the last day and get 16 wins that would be great.”
Australia are trailing by 56 runs but Lee is confident that it won’t bother them much. “We are in a great spot, both teams can win from this situation,” Lee said. “Now the mind games and tactics start, that’s the reason why we all play.”