Former Australian cricketer Brett Lee has responded to encouraging words from India`s javelin star Neeraj Chopra, who said that the ex-pace bowler could be a good javelin thrower.
In an interview with JioStar, Chopra said he has heard that Lee was a javelin thrower. “I have heard that Brett Lee was a javelin thrower. I think he could throw the javelin well, especially when he was in his peak years,” said the winner of back-to-back titles in the Paris Diamond League event and Ostrava Golden Spike meet.
In reply to the Indian`s words of encouragement, Lee stated that he practised javelin throw during his schooling days, but was nowhere close to Chopra.
“I did throw the javelin back in my schooling days, but nowhere near what Neeraj does; continues to do,” Brett Lee wrote on his X handle. Taking to X:
😂 I did throw the javelin back at my schooling days, but nowhere near what Neeraj does & continues to do.
Very tough on the elbow. I have however admired what this fine athlete can do and wish him well 🔥 🥇 https://t.co/fbbpKzd4bj— @BrettLee_58 (@BrettLee_58) June 30, 2025
Further, the 48-year-old explained why he did not continue practising javelin throw despite being involved with the sport in his school. He also expressed admiration for Chopra, who has emerged as one of the most popular and famous athletes.
“Very tough on the elbow. I have, however, admired what this fine athlete can do and wish him well,” said Brett Lee.
He also expressed his interest in trying javelin alongside India`s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. “I would like to try javelin with Jasprit Bumrah too, and hope he teaches me some bowling skills. While bowling and javelin are both throws, they are very different. I would like to learn from Bumrah.”
Bumrah is currently busy featuring for India in the Test series against England. Despite claiming a five-wicket haul by the pacer, the visitors suffered a loss in the series opener. The Shubman Gill-led side will now lock horns against the `Three Lions` for the second Test match from July 2 onwards.
After his win in the Paris Diamond League, Neeraj was asked by a media outlet whether he had ever tried cricket, especially bowling. Neeraj said he would also like to try his hand at baseball pitching at some point.
(With IANS Inputs)
