Brett Lee rates India-Australia rivalry equivalent to The Ashes

From Rahul Dravid's marathon innings at the Adelaide Oval to the historic Test Series win in 2018 - there has been an abundance of history between the two cricketing powerhouses, and whose viability won't fritter away for a long period of time.

India are scheduled to play a four-match Test series against Australia later this year. But lately, the excitement surrounding the series amongst fans knows no boundaries.

Several former cricketers and panelists, weighing in on the composition of the two sides, foresee the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to be one of the high-profile series.

In 2018, the pace bowling brigade, consisting of Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, and Umesh Yadav played the protagonist role in historic Test series win against the Aussies - claiming 50 wickets in just 8 innings. 

Speaking to Times of India, the former Aussie speedster, Brett Lee ranked India-Australia series equivalent to the Ashes, bearing in mind that both teams have a lineage of superstars in their rosters.  

“The tour is so important. Anytime that India gets the chance to tour Australia or vice versa. It always was Australia versus England in the Ashes. That was always the pinnacle. I do believe now that this (India vs Australia) is definitely at par. When Australia play India in a Test series, that's definitely right up there with the best competition to watch and the best rivalry. There's definitely no love lost, but the two nations appreciate the cricket which they play,” Brett Lee was quoted as saying. 

Lee earmarks the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to be the silver lining amidst these chaotic times, and hopes that the wonderful sport would, therefore, bring a smile back on the people's faces. The 43-year-old also spoke about the significance of the series, which marks the start of the cricket season in Australia after a prolonged period.

“In the situation that we've been through with COVID-19, I think everyone has been in their house for a number of months. If there is some way that we can get cricket played in Australia, which I'm sure that we can, in a number of months' time, I think it's really really important for world cricket. It's very important for Australian cricket, but also, it's important for the players. The players (India and Australia) love playing against each other. I see this being the silver lining of what's been a pretty dark, low end of summer and winter for us. Obviously for you guys too. But it's been a horrible time in the world and I know we can't change the deaths, we can't change what has happened, but hopefully, playing sports will put a smile on people's faces,” said Lee. 

[TOI inputs]