Lee: We don’t want robots on the field

Former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee said that he doesn’t want to see cricket stripped of all passion and aggression.

Lee would however qualify that statement by saying there is a line which players should not cross on the field.

Speaking ahead of the Nidahas trophy in Sri Lanka Lee told AFP: “The thing that I will say about that, in all honesty, is we don’t want robots on the field.

“Of course, there is a line that the players should not cross.

“You don’t racially vilify someone. You don’t use excessive swearing or stuff that can upset children who are listening in. Other than that you’ve got to play hard cricket.”

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Lee would not be drawn on the subject of Kagiso Rabada’s two match ban but opined that cricket may be headed to a point which might see harsh punishments for minor offences.

He added: “Now I am not saying I agree with what happened and I am not saying that I don’t agree with what happened, but what I can say is that we don’t want to get into a stage where players can’t even look at a batsman, batsman can’t even look at a bowler without getting into trouble.”

Lee would praise Rabada for his bowling skills, no surprise given Rabada has raced to 135 Test wickets in just 28 Tests.

The former Aussie quick said: “He’s good, I like him. Gets good shape on the ball.

“He comes around the wicket a fair bit to the left-handers, which I like and has got good pace and aggression and that’s what you need.”