India Tour of Australia : “He has got that X-factor,” Glenn McGrath hails Mitchell Starc’s “big impact” ahead of Test series
Mitchell Starc and Glenn McGrath
The rise of India‘s pace battery has propelled the side to the top of the Test rankings. Over the years, the trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav have only got better as they proved their might all over the globe. It was their impressive run during the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar series which saw India script the record of clinching their first Test series Down Under.
Legendary Australia quick Glenn McGrath heaped praises over the visitor’s lethal speedsters. McGrath reckoned that the first choice pace trio is tough to get through on any day. McGrath feels that Bumrah’s mental strength and Shami’s control is what sets them apart from the lot.
“Umesh Yadav’s got raw pace, Mohammed Shami has great control and swings the ball both ways and Bumrah is just class. He has great mental strength. His second and third spells are just as quick as his first. You have guys who, if on fire, are tough to beat,” McGrath said speaking in a conference call with selected media people.
Australia slightly ahead in bowling department
Despite all the praise, the 50-year-old feels that Aussie bowling lineup has an edge over their Indian counterpart. McGrath points out that Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins‘ deterrence and accuracy balances the odds in the longest format.
“But on a par you have Josh Hazlewood, he bowls in good areas and is tall, strong,” McGrath added. “Then Pat Cummins is the No.1 bowler in the world. He runs in all day, always gives 100 per cent. He gets slightly different angles because of the way he runs in.“
The Aussie great hails Mitchell Starc as the impact player of the side. McGrath shares that lanky left-arm quick adds an x-factor to the bowling line up which puts them ahead of India. McGrath explains that Stac has the ability to change the course of any game with his unique wicket-taking ability.
“Then you have left-arm Mitchell Starc. When he gets it right, he can pick four-five wickets at a go. He has got that X-factor. If both teams are bowling at the top of their game, I would probably put Australia slightly ahead only because of the left-hander, which makes a big impact,” he said.
“Not to take anything away from the Indian fast bowlers of the past. These guys have a slightly different mindset… The confidence of the current generation sets them apart,” McGrath signed off.
India will play 3 ODIs, as many T20Is and 4 Tests against Australia with the tour set to commence with first ODI on November 27th in Sydney.
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)