Date:03/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/03/stories/2008070353602000.htm

Sport - Cricket

Lee among the very best, says Vivian Richards

Right up there with Marshall, Holding, Garner and Ambrose

Melbourne: West Indian batting legend Vivian Richards feels Australian Brett Lee is the most fiery pacer cricket has seen after the intimidating Caribbean quartet of Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner, Michael Holding and Curtly Ambrose.

Lee became the fastest bowler to claim 300 wickets in ODIs when he reached the milestone in his 171st match, against West Indies — 15 games earlier than previous record holder Pakistani legend Waqar Younis.

And Richards feels the Aussie has proved himself enough to be placed alongside the Windies greats.

“I think he’s certainly up there with those guys (Marshall, Holding, Garner and Ambrose),” Richards was quoted as saying by the Australian Associated Press.

“I think it is hard to assess what took place from then to now... but I think when he’s called upon to do it, he’s just as good as any,” he added.

Impressed with the 31-year-old pace spearhead’s consistency, Richards said he was amazed at Lee’s fitness levels.

“What I have been impressed with, more than anything, in Brett Lee is his fitness, and no matter what time of the day you call on Brett Lee he’s going to be 100 per cent,” Richards said. — PTI