Old wine in a new bottle

Who can forget the man who broke our hearts by claiming Sachin Tendulkar’s wicket in the very first over of the 2003 World Cup final? Glenn McGrath, one of the finest bowlers to have graced the game of cricket, is in the city as the ambassador of Hardys Wines. In fact, the retired great is no stranger to Chennai — he says that he spends at least six weeks a year here.

In an interview with DC, the man, who was known for his nagging accuracy, opens up on his journey post-retirement, how he loves golfing in Chennai, his opinion about modern day cricket, and more.

Whenever you watch the Ashes or the World Cup on TV, do you feel gutted about not being on the ground?
No, I don’t miss playing anymore — which means I retired at the right age. Now I get to spend a lot of time with my wife and my three children. In fact, my youngest girl Madison turns one this Sunday, so we are pretty excited. Apart from this, I am also into lots of other stuff. So, there is no shortage of things to do.

You spend a lot of time in Chennai, how do you like it over here?
I really enjoy visiting this beautiful city. In fact, it is like a second home. I spend at least six weeks a year here. Back home, I’m always busy. But, in Chennai, I have only one thing to focus on — that is, to coach young talents in the MRF Pace Foundation. I don’t mind a game of golf. So, whenever I get time, I play golf in Chennai. I even played my last seven to eight games here. Apart from this, I have a few good friends here and we hangout whenever I am in Chennai. My wife says she wants to live in India. I don’t know if it will happen, but you never know!

As the director, how do you rate the prospects over at the MRF Pace Foundation?
Quite highly. I see improvement every time I come here. Players are really passionate about and listen to what I say. I share the experiences I have had during my 14-year playing career with the boys, and help them with their thought process, bowling plan, and how to set up batsmen.

How satisfying is the breast cancer awareness initiatives you take through McGrath Foundation?
Jane (McGrath’s first wife who passed away in 2008) was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, and it recurred in 2003. We experienced and learnt a lot during those years. I feel proud that through the foundation, we are able to create awareness for young women about breast cancer. There are 110 nurses across Australia, and the fact that our foundation has supported more than 44,000 people, blows me away.

Who is your favourite pacer in the world right now?
It is difficult to narrow it down to one. I would perhaps go with Mitchell Starc. The way he swings the ball — both old and new — at more than 150 kmph is incredible. He is up there with the likes of other seasoned bowlers like Dale Steyn, James Anderson, and Stuart Broad.

And from India?
I don’t think I have a favourite — they represent something very different. Mohammed Shami is doing a great job. Bhuvaneshwar Kumar is a good swing bowler and Jasprit Bumrah is a nice young talent. But, I feel Varun Aaron has immense potential. I would like to see him given another opportunity.

If you had been playing in today’s era, would you have changed your approach as a bowler?
Definitely not. Irrespective of whichever format of the game you play, it all comes down to execution. You should have a bowling plan and you should know how to execute it. In this modern era, where batsmen are playing new shots and the boundaries are brought in, I feel that if I don’t give more than 7–8 runs in a T20 match, my job is done.
 
(Glenn is in the city as the ambassador for Hardys Wine. The 160-year old iconic company is launching a couple of new wines in India through Sula selections)