Brett Lee compares young Indian sensation to legendary Waqar Younis

Legendary Australian pacer Brett Lee has compared talented youngster Umran Malik to the former Pakistan great Waqar Younis.

Umran Malik, who featured for Sunrisers Hyderabad for the second Indian Premier League (IPL) season, grabbed the headlines due to his fierce pace and his wicket-taking ability. The 23-year-old clocked 157 kmp during the IPL 2022, which remains the second-fastest delivery of the tournament.

The youngster picked up a total of 22 wickets at an impressive average of 20.18 and has shown enough grit and determination to be tipped off as 'the next big thing.'

Speaking about his ability, Brett Lee opened up about Umran Malik and his potential.

"I am a big fan. I think Umran Malik has got a lot of pace to burn. He is a competitor, a top guy, who runs in like a lot of fast bowlers in the past. Waqar Younis is the person who comes to mind," Lee was quoted as saying to ANI.

Brett Lee further advised the youngster to further improve his run-up and bowling action for longetivity.

“There is something in his run-up that he can improve on, action, pulling down harder different parts of the wrist positions. But, the great thing is that one’s actions will never be perfect," Lee added.

He further stated: "My action was never perfect but I always tried to be the best version of me so up until the last ball I bowled before being retired, I was working on my action. So, one can keep improving every single day."

This is not the first time Umran has earned this compliment as last month, former Indian seamer Irfan Pathan also drew similarities between him and Waqar Younis.

"The first time I saw him bowl was when I was playing for Jammu and Kashmir and mentoring them. Watching him bowl reminded me of the great Waqar Younis," said Irfan.

It is worth pointing out that the youngster has also received his maiden callup to the international squad for a 5-match T20I series against South Africa.