Glenn McGrath made his final appearance in India as a player in 2009 when he played for Delhi Daredevils in the Champions League clash against the Royal Challengers at Bangalore.
The Australian fast bowling ace returned to the country in a new role - that of a coach - as he succeeded the legendary Dennis Lillee as Director of Coaching at the MRF Pace Foundation.
In a chat with the TOI, McGrath spoke on his great adversary Sachin Tendulkar, with whom he has engaged in legendary duels and who he dismissed six times in nine Tests and seven times in 23 ODIs, the Indian pace attack and what is it that one needs to become a complete fast bowler just like McGrath himself. Excerpts.
You had some great duels with Tendulkar. Looking at him now and how he's been dismissed against New Zealand, do you think bowlers will fancy their chances against him?
Look, to me Sachin Tendulkar is still a wonderful batsman. I saw him bat today for a while and he was middling it pretty well. As a batsman, he has seen it all and if he feels, there are areas to work on, he will do that. And I know you'll ask whether Sachin should retire, and my answer would be 'Leave it to Sachin. He will know when to go'.
VVS was really an astonishing player. I have been on the wrong end of some Lara classics, but that innings of 281 he (VVS) played at the Eden Gardens (2001) is one of the best innings I have seen on-field...When such great players go, you are bound to feel a void, but Virat Kohli is coming up very well.
You still hold the record of being the highest wicket-taker in Tests (563). What goes into the making of a quality pacer?
It's about being physically and mentally strong for long periods of time. You have to work as hard as you can, but then, it's important to know your body as well. It's also a matter of self-belief and being patient. All these attributes have to come together if you have to succeed consistently at the top level.
What is your take on the Indian pacers?
It's extremely important to have a good pace attack for a team has to be successful. I haven't seen too many of them, but my favourite is still Zaheer Khan. He swings the ball around and is still a wily customer. I was quite impressed by (Umesh) Yadav, he works up a good pace and has a good attitude. There are a few others in the business, but I have to see them more to make an honest assessment.
© TOI
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