October 12 Saturday 2002
Lillee's advice to Shoaib

PERTH: Pakistan firebrand Shoaib Akhtar has a long way to go to achieve his ambition of being remembered as cricket's greatest fast bowler, legendary Australian pace champion Dennis Lillee said.

Lillee described Shoaib's desire to be remembered as the game's fastest and greatest speed exponent as too early. He pointed out that Shoaib had so far played in 22 Tests, capturing 77 wickets at an average of 27.69. "There are a lot of bowlers who have done much better than he has. He still has a long way to go."

Lillee also drew attention to the similarity in performance of Shoaib and Australia's young speedster Brett Lee, who has taken 86 wickets in 22 Tests, with an average of 27.50.