Bengaluru, September 5: Gone are the days when visiting cricketers viewed India as a destination to be visited by force. Former Australian captain Steve Waugh played a no less significiant role in that change of perception while prompting cricketers from Down Under to assimilate to Indian culture and topography.
Former Aussie players Dean Jones and Brett Lee might have played in two different generations but keep a special bond with India.
The high point in Jones' career came in Madras (now Chennai) in 1986 when he made a double hundred in taxing conditions in the famous tied Test.
Lee might not have major exploits on the field in India, but the blonde pace bowler has been so involved in India over the years through IPL, Bollywood and charity activities. It will not be an exaggeration to say that Lee has become more Indian than an Aussie.
So, it was not entirely surprising to see Lee and Jones setting out to enjoy the beauty of Mysuru, including a visit to the Palace.
Jones and Lee are in Mysuru as part of the commentary team of the Karnataka Premier League.