Australia have a lot of work to do before India tour: McGrath

The Sri Lanka tour, touted as a preparatory series for their Indian sojourn, did no good to the visiting side and Aussie speedster McGrath said it was indecisiveness that cost Australia the series. “It has been an interesting challenge for years (to counter spin bowling). I don’t think that it is because we cannot play spin. It all boils down to the mind-set. We saw how Mathew Hayden had a clear plan to play spin, he started sweeping. From what I saw, the boys in Sri Lanka are not sure what to do,” McGrath said on the side-lines of the MRF Pace Foundation camp.

When asked about Australia’s preparation for the India tour, the fast bowler said there is a lot of work to do. “India need to produce good flat wickets with grass. That’s the way to play Australia,” he laughed adding: “We all know what is going to happen. The wickets are going to turn square and Australia have a lot of work to do.”

McGrath said India would take a lot of confidence out the Test series victory in West Indies. “The West Indies are not the team they used to be. The Test side is struggling. They are not the quality ODI or the T20 side that is playing. The series victory might not be a true indication but India have played well. Playing India at home will be tough as they will be good. Of course, they will take some confidence out of this series win,” the fast bowler added.

With Mitchell Starc bettering McGrath’s record of three five-wicket hauls in as many innings, the legendary bowler heaved praises on Starc, complimenting his work ethic. “He is an exceptional bowler. He bowls attacking lengths with the new ball. He doesn’t shy to bowl full and get a chance of an lbw. He is good with the old ball too, and once if he can get the ball to reverse, he is a different aggressive bowler. He is a dangerous bowler once he gets the ball to swing,” he added.