Former Australia pacer Brett Lee has heaped praise on Matthew Hayden saying Pakistan is a better unit under his guidance. Pakistan are all set to face England in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

Brett Lee says Matthew Hayden has always been a leader (AP)

By India Today Web Desk: Former Australia Pacer Brett Lee has heaped praise on Matthew Hayden saying Pakistan is a better unit under his guidance. Pakistan are all set to face England in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

Speaking with foxsports.com.au, the former fast-bowler said Hayden has always been a leader, insisting that Pakistan are a better unit under his guidance.

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“It doesn’t surprise me that, under the guidance of Haydos, Pakistan are a better unit. He’s always been that way. He’s always been a leader. He’s always been a person that speaks from the heart and a person that will call it out if it’s not right. And I like that about Haydos. There’s so much transparency. He doesn’t beat around the bush,” said Lee.

Lee called Hayden a big-game player, saying he was never overawed by big crowds and the stature of playing in big occasions like the World Cup.

“He was a big-game player. He loved the big occasion. He wasn’t overawed by the big crowds and stature of playing in a World Cup, or Ashes, or a Boxing Day Test. His record in those big, big games would be among the best of his career because he knew how to compartmentalize and put things into perspective to get the best out of him as an athlete,” Lee added.

The 46-year-old said Hayden has passed all his knowledge of handling pressure to the Pakistani players.

“All these things he’s learnt from playing at that top level in these pressure situations that he’s passed on now to Pakistan, it’d be to back yourself, play with that freedom. I can almost hear the words he’s saying in the change rooms to the guys about having that confidence to express yourself as an athlete, and be the best version of yourself. Whereas a lot of people get to those big situations, and we saw it with India, where they second-guess themselves, they’re hesitant, they’re a bit overawed by the situation,” said Lee.

Finally, Hayden’s former teammate said he is very happy and proud of what he has achieved with this Pakistan team.

“Some people it brings out the best in them, and one person it brought the best out of was Matthew Hayden. I’m really happy for him … I’m really proud of what he’s achieved,” Lee added.

Pakistan are set to lock horns with England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the final of the T20 World Cup.