Chennai: The aggressive coach-captain combo of Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli have started their partnership in style by wrapping up the Test series against the West Indies with a match to spare. A victory in the final Test starting on August 18 would put India on top of the rankings chart. But former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath feels India’s performance against the beleaguered West Indies is not a true indication.
“The West Indies are not the Test team they used to be. They can’t even be compared to their own ODI or T20 sides. India have played pretty well though. And I don’t think Virat had the best of series; he hasn’t scored as many runs as we thought he would,” said McGrath.
The most successful Test pacer said India would, however, take a bit of confidence out of their West Indies tour ahead of meeting strong sides such as New Zealand and England at home. “The real challenge will be up against England. It will be interesting,” said McGrath.
The 46-year-old, who trains bowlers at MRF Pace Foundation, couldn’t hide his disappointment while talking about Australia’s woes against the spin attack of Sri Lanka. “I don’t think we can’t play spin. I remember how Matthew Hayden prepared himself ahead of the 2001 India tour. He wasn’t a good player of spin, but he had a clear plan of what he wanted to do. But the current team seem not sure of what they want to do. So the issue is decisiveness. In the current scenario, Australia have a lot of work to do from now to the time they come to India in early 2017,” he said.
The brightest spark for the touring Aussies has been the left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc who has taken 23 wickets so far. McGrath said Starc’ ability to shine in all conditions make him a class act. “He is an attacking bowler and does well with the new ball. He gets it swinging and has great control. As soon as the ball starts reversing, his confidence goes through the roof,” McGrath said.
McGrath said training bowlers in Chennai has helped him evolve as a coach. “I have learnt a fair bit; things I learnt here over the years would have made my action a lot better. During my days, my strength was on the mental side of the game. I was a confident bowler. After coming here and working with local coaches, I have learnt so much on the technical side,” he said.
McGrath to go on talent hunt
Glenn McGrath is set to go on a countrywide tour, hunting for fast bowling talent. He will first visit Punjab and then go to Kolkata. A series of trials would be organised to identify potential trainees for MRF Pace Foundation.
