Crucial series for teams in transition

Despite their record, India will not be as confident this time

By MVL Manikantan | Hindustan Times | Yahoo! Cricket – Sun 17 Feb, 2013 11:25 AM IST


Glenn McGrath has played a huge role in shaping the India-Australia rivalry. The former Australia pacer spiced up the contest as much with his provoking remarks and hard-nosed approach as with his unparalleled skills with the ball. The legendary speedster, now director at the MRF Pace Foundation, spoke to Hindustan Times on the upcoming India-Australia series. Excerpts:

Dhoni is respected by one and all. He is a strong leader and quality player. He will be under some pressure after the loss to England. Clarke has had a sensational year. He won the Allan Border medal for the best cricketer. He is the best Australia player at moment. Yes, a little bit of contrast there.

The loss of Ponting and Hussey is tough to cope with. This opening up opportunities for youngsters apart, it will put lot more responsibility on Clarke and Shane Watson.

He is a class player. He still plays the Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup. Sometimes he smashed me out of the park, and sometimes I got him. There are lots of memories; even the bad ones feel good. He has the passion which is what you need. As soon you lose that passion, it's time to hang up the boots. He obviously has it as of now.

You come to India expecting slow and turning wickets. That is what India is about. Nathan Lyon has enough experience to play the lead role. The other spinners - Xavier Doherty, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell are inexperienced but they have potential.

Our strength is still our pace attack. India is a tough place for fast bowlers. It will take them a while to adjust to the wickets. But it's not that fast bowlers can't succeed here. You can get the new ball to carry and get reverse swing when the ball gets old.

I always said I didn't want to commentate or coach and I am doing both. But, let's see what happens. I wanted to get away from cricket after retirement; it was my life for twenty years. I had a good four-five years away from the game.

Now I am ready to get back into it. At MRF Pace Foundation, it's three times in a year and two weeks at a time. I am learning myself and hopefully teaching the boys what pace bowling is all about.

India is a tough place to play cricket, and fast bowling is the toughest part. The wickets in India are low and slow. It is hard work for the fast bowlers and they end up just trying to build pressure bowling the right length. The bowlers have to work on their strength and keep fit to avoid injuries.

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