Australia have the right balance and will win on Thursday: Brett Lee

Mohammad Shami has been impressive: Brett Lee

Ahead of the second semi-final between India and Australia at Sydney on Thursday, former Australian speedster Brett Lee believes that the Michael Clarke-led side have got the right balance to their side and hence will win the game and progress through to the final on Sunday.

“I honestly think that Australia will win on Thursday, I think they've got the right balance in the team.

"Australia's spoilt for choice, they've got the experience, the youth coming through, I reckon they've got a really well-balanced team.

"With David Warner and Aaron Finch at the top, Steven Smith's slotted in beautifully at number three, Michael Clarke at four, Shane Watson at five, I think that's a really good balance for the side, whichever way they want to go with the quicks,” Lee said at an ICC World Cup pop-up event.

Shami has been very good: Lee

Talking about the pace battery of both teams, the 38-year-old was effusive in his praise for the way the Indian bowlers have performed in this tournament so far, particularly Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav and also showered praise on Josh Hazlewood for the way he has dried up the runs in the quarter-final against Pakistan at Adelaide.

“He's(Shami) been really impressive. I've played a fair bit of cricket with Shami over the last couple of years, he's a wonderful guy and goes in hard.

“Yadav is the other player that bowls good pace. They've got a three-pronged pace attack who can all bowl quick, who can all bowl up to 145 km/h. If they land the ball in the right spot, they've got a really good chance of getting wickets,” Lee said.

"Josh Hazlewood did extremely well with his four for 35 off his 10 overs (against Pakistan in the quarter-final in Adelaide), Pat Cummins, who might get his opportunity here,’ he added.