Legendary Australian fast bowler Brett Lee said India's decision to not consider Umran Malik for the T20 World Cup in Australian conditions did surprise him, saying he would have loved to see the Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler unleashed on pace-rich and bouncy pitches Down Under.

Brett Lee, said Umran Malik's non-selection and Cameron Green's absence from the Australian squad for the T20 World Cup are two major surprising selection calls by teams in the lead-up to the premier ICC Twenty20 tournament, starting October 16.

Umran Malik made his international debut in June 2022 during India's tour of Ireland following a good showing in IPL 2022. The SunRisers Hyderabad pacer had picked up 22 wickets and showcased improved control, working under mentor Dale Steyn at SRH. However, Umran was expensive in the 3 matches he played, conceding 12.44 runs per over and picking up 2 wickets.

"I would love to see Umran Malik unleashed in Australia, yes. So, to me the big surprises of his T20 World Cup - Umran Malik for India, I think he should play. Cameron Green has to play for Australia. I can't fathom how Cameron Green isn't in the team," Brett Lee said on the sidelines of the Legends League tournament.