McGrath all praise for Indian fast bowlers

This latest exercise in picking his brains had to do with whether the current Indian team, armed as it is with an enviable pace ammunition that hunts together as a pride, will acquit itself well down under later this year. McGrath, who is known as much for making accurate predictions as for his bowling prowess, shot back saying, “No chance.” You might argue that the answer was on predictable lines, much like the exchange of pleasantries, but even the true-blue Aussie in him couldn’t stop praising the troika of Indian fast bowlers in Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami. 

“There were positive signs without a doubt. India played well in South Africa although I don’t think SA is quite the team it used to be. But you still have to give credit to India. India did well in SA conditions. It’s different to what they have back home. The signs are good but my prediction will be 2-0 in favour of Australia,” said the 48-year-old. With growing chorus from former players about the need to have different coaches for different formats, McGrath said he was all for that concept. Former Australia captain and Delhi Daredevils coach, Ricky Ponting recently said he was ready to take up the responsibility of becoming Australia’s T20I coach. “If you have different teams for different formats, I have no issues with there being different coaches. Ponting knows what he is talking about. He is probably right in saying that. There are three different formats there. Coaches have different tactics, different strategy and if they can adapt it’s good. Maybe that’s the way ahead,” added McGrath. 

Asked if he feels India can mount a serious challenge when it travels to England later this year, McGrath said the key lies in acclimatisation. “It’s about getting used to the conditions. In England you have to hit the right length. There will be seam movement but the pitches won’t be as quick as they are in Australia. If the Indian bowlers can adapt to bowling with Duke cricket balls, they will find success,” opined the three-time World Cup winner. Like everyone else, McGrath, too, was impressed by the precociously talented Kamlesh Nagarkoti. “He has got some good real pace. The fact that he got selected for KKR is another bonus for him. I think he has got a bright career in front of him. For someone so young, he is able to generate high speeds which will put stress on his back. As long as he looks after his body and concentrate on what he wants to do, he will get the results,” said McGrath. 

McGrath praised the current crop of MRF trainees who have been picked up by various franchisees and was hopeful the number will increase in the days ahead.