Melbourne: Former Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath is all set to act as a mentor and help navigate the new generation of Aussie pacemen, who he thinks are doing well and creating opportunities for themselves.
After New Zealanders humbled Australia in Hobart, McGrath who favours being called in to address issues as a mentor rather than becoming a full-time coach — found plenty to be excited about in the bowling attack, including its rawness.
“I think they’re getting it right,” he told The Age.
“They’re hitting the right areas and keeping the pressure on the batsmen. If you look at the Test in Hobart, well, we missed a couple of catches that could’ve made a difference to the result, but that’s the way it goes.
“The positive out of that is it shows the bowlers are creating opportunities, and there’s not much more they can do than that,” he added.
McGrath, who had 563 Test scalps, also said that the youngsters would take some time before finding their feet.
“There was a lot of talk at the time that they were bowling a little bit short in the first innings, and maybe that was so, but it all comes with experience. You have to remember these guys have only played their first few Test matches and they’re finding their feet.”
McGrath was impressed that the likes of James Pattinson and co. have been hitting 140 kmph pretty consistently.
“It’s amazing to see the way they’ve come through. Add to that the fact they’re bowling at 140km/h plus and it is pretty special.” The ‘Pigeon’, as he was called during his playing days, wants everyone to view national team’s future with faith and high expectation.”I have no doubt, it’s an exciting time in Oz cricket.” (PTI)