Former Australian legendary fast bowler Glen McGrath, who is training fast bowlers at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, has stated that Australian captain Steven Smith is clear about challenge he will face in India, in a four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, despite a whitewash of Pakistan 3-0 after losing in a Test series against South Africa (home) and Sri Lanka (away).
“No, I do not think Steve is playing mind games. He is being honest in his appraisal. You saw how well India played against England,” McGrath was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
The right-handed middle-order batsman Smith has urged his players to left an impact while playing quality cricket against India on spin-friendly tracks which likely seems a tough task as India has already trounced England 4-0 in a five-match Test series under the leadership of Virat Kohli.
The 46-year-old McGrath, who is nicknamed as ‘Pigeon’ has expressed that flamboyant Aussie opener David Warner and Captain Smith’s aggressive play of cricket will hold the key for Australia against India’s spin-quality bowling attack in February.
For India, the spin bowling duo Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja has been in a phenomenal form particularly at home conditions and Australia is wary of that.
“Spin will be a factor. Initially, Matthew (Hayden) did not play spin well, then learnt to play the sweep shot and did well in India. So, the guys like Steve and David, who play the sweep shot well, can perform admirably. The key to a batsman’s success will be patience,’’ he said.
To counter the best in business Indian batting line-up, McGrath believes fast bowler Mitchell Starc will hold the key for the national side in the bowling department with his ability to reverse the cherry.
“Ideally, I would like to play four bowlers, one keeper and the rest batsman. Nathan (Lyon) and Steve (O’Keefe) will be the two spinners. Australia’s success will also depend upon how well Mitchel (Starc) is able to reverse swing the ball,” McGrath added.
McGrath also believed some strategy as a fast bowler would yield the results for the visitors if they continue bowling according to a plan, before lauding batsmen Usman Khawaja and rookie Peter Handscomb, who put on a good show against Pakistan in the recently concluded Test series.
“It augurs well for fast bowlers. The bouncer is the weapon and I hope the Australians use it well. Most of the players have experience playing in sub-continental conditions, it will hold them in good stead. Peter has done incredibly well. Usman is also a quality player,” McGrath concluded.