Internet Desk: Glenn McGrath is back to what he calls his ‘second home.’ The Australian pace legend and now director of MRF Pace Foundation, who is here as part of his regular coaching camp, spoke on a host of topics ranging from Anil Kumble’s appointment as India’s head coach, the use of pink ball in Tests and more.
Following are the excerpts:
What’s your take on Anil’s appointment as India’s coach?
I think it’s a great move. I have always believed bowlers are the smartest ones (laughs). Whether you are batsman or a bowler, you have to be a good man-manager. I think Anil has been there for a long time in the game, and I am sure he would do a very good job as coach of the Indian team. I haven’t seen him as a coach, but as a player Anil was a fighter who wouldn’t give an inch, and he would take the same attitude into his coaching as well.
Considering the nature of wickets in West Indies (slow and low), do you feel Indian pacers would feel at home?
The wickets in West Indies are a little different to what they used to be earlier. They are more like Indian wickets, and I am sure the Indian bowlers would do just fine. The current Indian bowling unit has played around the world and knows how to adjust to the conditions.
Some of the Australian bowlers such as Jackson Bird, Steve O’Keefe are training here. You reckon that’s an ideal preparation for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour?
Without a doubt! I feel conditions in Australia at the moment are fairly cold. So, it’s a smart move to come out here and practise in conditions where the humidity and the temperature too is on the higher side. These are the conditions that they would get in Sri Lanka, and I feel this is a good preparation for that.
Which is a tougher challenge for the current Australian line-up, playing in England or on sub-continent wickets?
It’s an issue not just for the Australian team, but for a lot of other teams as well. They play well in their home conditions and not so when they travel abroad. When England go to Australia, they get belted and the same happens when we go to England. Touring and being able to play in different conditions have been an issue for Australian side, but I am sure we should be able to make amends starting from the series against Sri Lanka.
Do you feel pink ball –in the current form –is loaded more in favour of the bowlers?
I think they have got some work to do to get things right (and bring parity between bat and ball). Last year, the day & night Test match in Adelaide was a success. But, they have a few issues to iron out which I am sure will be done so in due course. I feel the concept of day & night Tests is really good as it will bring in the crowds. We have got to keep Test cricket going as players across the world look to play the oldest format of the game for their respective countries.