2017 ICC Champions Trophy: India, England, Australia and South Africa Are Among Title Contenders: Glenn McGrath
Nov 2, 2023 at 3:51 PM
Glen McGrath, the former Australia pacer has named India, England, Australia and South Africa as the strongest title contenders for the Champions Trophy 2017.
McGrath though did not rule out Australia from the race to the cup however said it will be difficult for them to get back the trophy after a period of eight years,
“As a former player, I’ll always want Australia to win. But it won’t be easy as teams like India, England and South Africa will also have big chances to win the title. I don’t want to write off Pakistan and Sri Lanka but going by recent form I will pick India, Australia, SA and England among the title contenders. England is in great shape after beating South Africa in the ODI series at home,” McGrath told TOI during an interaction.
The director of MRF Pace Foundation since the year 2012, further termed the Indian pace attack as the best in the world at the moment and opined that this will provide them with an edge over the other teams,
“Of course. Some of the Indian bowlers are top-class and they have really done well in the last two-three years. I think India have got one of the most potent attacks in the championship and the pace-spin combination will provide them with an edge over other teams.”
The former pacer was positive that despite the tussle going on between the Australian players and the board, the team will perform better, and will find their way to winning the matches,
“Obviously, it’s a bit of distraction but I hope everything falls in place and the dispute ends soon. Both CA and the players are in a process of discussion and I’m sure things will resolve quickly. It’ll be interesting to see how it shapes up. I’m part of CA and will always want a solution that will make both parties happy.”
“I will pick Mitchell Starc if he is fully fit. He has all the qualities to be No 1bowler in the world. He has pace, can swing the new ball and can reverse when it gets old. You don’t see too many papers with so much skill. I’m sure he will form a deadly combination with James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins in the Champions Trophy.”