Australian pace sensation Brett Lee said India deserve to be the best Test team in the world despite what critics have to say.

By Rajarshi Gupta

Former Aussie skipper and TV commentator Ian Chappell had pointed out that MS Dhoni’s men may not stay on top for long as they do not have enough resources.

Chappell had said India would not be able to hold on to the Test Championship mace till they find a couple of champion bowlers, adding that the famed batting line-up is not enough to see them at the top for long.

However, Lee, who also plays for the Kings’ XI Punjab, sprung to India’s defence.

“India thoroughly deserve their number one ranking. They have played well consistently for a long time now and they are on top of the pile. That’s the way it should be.

I know there have been some harsh comments from certain quarters and I am sorry about that.”

Reflecting on his own team’s transformation sans McGrath and Warne, Lee hailed the present crop of pace bowlers.

“It is great to see the youngsters do so well. We have a great depth in the attack and that has helped us win matches recently.”

Lee played his last Test against South Africa at the MCG in the Boxing Day match way back in 2008 but the Baggy Greens have managed well, more so in the recent past, winning five of their six Tests.

The tearaway speedster, who was seen without his shoulder braces at a function organised at a New Delhi hotel said he was recuperating well from his surgery, ahead of the third edition of the Indian Premier League.

“I can say that I am well on schedule with my recovery,” was all Lee would say, when asked of he could play in the lucrative T20 tournament in India from March 12.

A journalist wanted Lee’s take on the racist attacks against Indians and the flamboyant pacer said he was saddened by the attacks in Australia.

“I feel very welcome in India and we in Australia welcome Indians with as much warmth and love. I am very saddened by the issues and we need to make sure such things don’t keep happening.

Australia is a very safe place and we are working closely with the government to keep things peaceful.”

Lee had earlier said that he would not rush his return in the IPL. Australia also go to tour New Zealand in March but the paceman’s selection seems unlikely given the emergence of Peter Siddle, Doug Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus alongside Mitchell Johnson.