“Fear factor of Aussie pitches isn’t there anymore,” Glenn McGrath advocates importance “mind games” in Test matches
Follow Us
Glenn McGrath
The gradual evolution of pitches into the flat surfaces we witness today in modern-day cricket is a big concern for many cricket pundits around the World. And former Australia speedster Glenn McGrath is one of the many disappointed figures in the cricketing fraternity. The legendary Australian pacer feels that the emergence of T20 cricket and the deteriorating pitches is slowly killing the Test format as batsmen no more have the fear of losing their wicket.
Talking about the scenario Down Under, McGrath points out that the “fear of Aussie pitches” is no more a factor for touring sides. He recalls how every turf in Australia once stood out for their unique nature but with time they have now become identical. The great speedster opines that this has gone on to affect the newer generations who no more know how to adapt to different conditions.
“There is not going to be the fear factor like Aussies pitches had in terms of pace and bounce. The pitches now are not as quick and bouncy but they are still quicker than India. We used to hear from the Indian camp that they used to worry about the bounce. Now the batsmen don’t tend to play with fear anymore with T20 cricket coming in. When I started in ’93, each pitch in Australia had a character. WACA was quick and bouncy. Sydney took turn. Adelaide went up and down on day 4 and 5,” McGrath told TOI.
“You got reverse swing at Gabba. MCG had its character. That made the Australian team so strong because we could adapt. By the end of my career, every pitch in Australia was identical. That made an impact on the next generation of cricketers. I was disappointed.“
Mind games are very important
The word sledging was once synonymous to Australian cricket when the mighty Aussie dominated the world of cricket. McGrath, who was part of Australia’s mighty side, feels that mind games are crucial in the longest format of the game. The 50-year-old Aussie quick goes on to add that abuse and personal attacks have no place in the field of cricket.
McGrath explains that small “banter” to mess with a player’s focus and confidence is enough. The Kangaroos are wary of verbal engagement on field following the Sandpaper gate.
“Mind games are very important. Test cricket is also about mental strength. If you are going to suffer from a bit of chatter and banter, you are going to be found out quickly. Sledging is the wrong term. It’s not abuse and attacking personally. It’s about getting into the mind, make someone question his technique and mess their routine,” McGrath said
“I prefer the word ‘banter’ to sledging. Players are not going to take a backward step. Kohli is a prime example. I enjoy that he plays hard and has a bit of chat. Umpires are there to regulate it.“
Stay Updated!
Anshuman Mahapatra
(1496 Articles Published)