# Sports

Brett Lee unhappy with names, numbers on jerseys in Tests

It is to note that England and Australia, presently competing in the first Test of the much-awaited Ashes series, have become the first nations in the history of Test cricket to wear names and numbers on their jerseys.

SNS | New Delhi | August 5, 2019 10:20 am

Brett Lee unhappy with names, numbers on jerseys in Tests

Former Australia pace spearhead Brett Lee is not happy with the names of the players and numbers being printed on Test jerseys and termed the move as ‘ridiculous’.

It is to note that England and Australia, presently competing in the first Test of the much-awaited Ashes series, have become the first nations in the history of Test cricket to wear names and numbers on their jerseys. The first Test in Birmingham also marked the launch of the ICC World Test Championship (2019-21).

“For what it’s worth I’m strongly against the players numbers & names appearing on the back of test cricket shirts! I think it looks ridiculous. @ICC I love the changes you’ve made to cricket in general, but on this occasion, you’ve got it wrong. #tradition #cleanskin #nonames,” Lee tweeted.

For what it’s worth I’m strongly against the players numbers & names appearing on the back of test cricket shirts!
I think it looks ridiculous. @ICC I love the changes you’ve made to cricket in general, but on this occasion you’ve got it wrong. #tradition #cleanskin #nonames

— Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) August 2, 2019

Prior to Lee’s comment, former Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist had also termed the initiative as ‘rubbish’. In a tweet, Gilchrist said: “In fact, I’ll take my apology back. The names and numbers are rubbish. Enjoy the series, everyone.”

In fact, I’ll take my apology back. The names and numbers are rubbish. Enjoy the series everyone. 👍😀 #Ashes

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) August 1, 2019

In another tweet, Gilchrist said: “Outstanding. We are underway. Sorry to sound old fashioned but not liking the names and numbers.”

Outstanding. We are underway. Sorry to sound old fashioned but not liking the names and numbers. #Ashes #cmonaussies

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) August 1, 2019

The International Cricket Council (ICC) had come up with the idea of mentioning names and numbers on jerseys as an initiative to help fans connect with the players.

Brett Lee, who retired from international cricket in 2015, has 310 wickets against his name from the 76 Test matches he played.

(With inputs from IANS)