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Conditions favour India: McGrath
Australians have been the invincible team in world cricket for decades and it was team work that has helped them achieve that. Interestingly, the World Cup T20 is the only trophy that eluded them, though they have won almost everything around the world. With a World Cup round the corner, the men in yellow would be itching to add the T20 World Cup to their collection.
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Chennai
When they had the likes of Waugh, Pontings and Warne in their ranks, Australia dominated the world. However, former Aussie fast bowler Glenn McGrath feels India have the advantage going into the World Cup next month. “It is beyond doubt that India are the favourites. They play the format very well and with the conditions favourable to them, a lot goes in their favour,” the lanky fast bowler said during a training session at the MRF Pace Foundation.
With West Indies, Sri Lanka and fierce rivals England having won the World Cup in the shorter format, McGrath dismissed talks of Australia not taking the T20 format very seriously. “Australia do take their game very seriously. This is a good opportunity to prove that. Their history on playing in the Indian conditions is good and they can play with confidence. That would give them the boost to do well and make a difference this time,” McGrath added.
The 46-year-old fast bowler shared his thoughts on the IPL, skills of bowlers and more in a free-wheeling chat.
On the nature of wickets in Australia:
It has been an issue for some time now. It is lopsided and in favour of batsmen. There has to be something for the bowlers. I personally liked the pitch in Adelaide day/night Test which had a tinge of grass on it. The way the wicket has changed in Perth, I would now love to come and bat on it. The trend has to change.
On the skills of bowlers:
The skills of bowlers have dropped considerably. The bowlers need to learn a lot of control and execute their plans the right way. A good bowler is one who can bowl a scorching yorker and we haven’t seen that in a long time now.
On the rise of Steve Smith:
I am a big fan of Smith. He is not in the conventional breed of cricketers. I love his attitude and he is a very tough guy to bowl to. Skills can only get a batsman to a level and attitude can make you a great cricketer and Smith falls into the second bracket.
On the spat between Shane Warne and Steve Waugh:
They are excellent players. As a captain, you have to take tough decisions. Steve has been a great captain and has led by example. It was Warne’s personal opinion.
On the rise of Ankit Rajpoot and Nathu Singh (from the MRF stable):
It is tremendous that these bowlers have got big contracts in the Indian Premier League. It justifies the whole idea of setting up the pace foundation. It is now up to them to work hard and show the right attitude.
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