New Delhi, Aug 15 : Legendary Australia pacer Glenn McGrath feels that playing an international Test series in India scheduled to take place next year, is likely to be the biggest challenge for Pat Cummins & Co.McGrath was also awestruck of Australia’s recent performance in Test matches in Pakistan as well as Sri Lanka, saying that the team has begun to comprehend the subcontinental conditions. Australia will travel to India in the course of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tentatively in February-March 2023, with an aim to win the tournament in the country they haven’t won since the 2-1 victory in the months of October and November 2004.The team triumphed in the three-match Test series in Pakistan by 1-0 in March, but was held to a draw of 1-1 in an international Test series of two matches in Sri Lanka in July.
“Obviously the biggest obstacle for Australia is to go to India and doing very well, and then taking the title.We were fortunate enough to be able to do that in 2004.You must come up with good ideas and batsmen need to learn to adapt to changing pitches, and bowlers need to learn how to bowl in these conditions.”
“I believe that with IPL there are there are a lot of players have played over there (in India) regularly and have thus been exposed to the conditions.The current Australian team, as evident from their performances in Sri Lanka and Pakistan are beginning to gain an knowledge of how to perform on subcontinent wickets.However, India is still the most difficult task.I believe they’re up to the challenge,” McGrath was quoted by cricket.com.
McGrath is one of the players who has enjoyed great results in bowling in Indian conditions.In the eight matches he played in in India, he picked 33 wickets with an average of 21.3 14.of which were taken in the series win in 2004-05.When asked about the equipment required for bowlers from overseas to be successful in Indian conditions, McGrath stressed on control with the ball and the ability to adapt to different lengths, which are effective.
“You only need to think of a way to come up with an approach that works.Pitches in Australia are faster and bouncier , which means you can hit those perfect areas.
The key is to have control, and bowling off the stump or even outside.The length will differ so it’s about adjusting to lengths.”
“You must try to catch wickets with the new ball.Once it becomes more pliable and you’ll need to ask yourself what can I do to keep the opponent from scoring in the first place?’.You could possibly be a bit more straight in your bowl and have more of an ring-field and make it difficult for batsmen to score.It’s about having clear goals and being capable of executing the plans over long time periods of time.”
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