Former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath picks his top three pacers
Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath picks his top three fast bowlers from the ten teams in 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in a video interview with ESPNCricinfo. The highest wicket-taker in World Cup picked Australia’s Pat Cummins, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, and India’s Jasprit Bumrah.
McGrath explained the reason why he chose Cummins first is because of his bowling skills and attitude in the field. “Runs in hard all day, give his 100%. (In) his work ethic, his attitude is amazing. He is a nice person, quality batsman, and a brilliant fielder. He is an all-rounder, but as a fast bowler, you want him in your team as he gives a 100% whenever he goes out there.”
For his second pick, McGrath explained that Rabada’s quality bowling and knowledge on how to build pressure by bowling at high speed were part of the reason why. He continued that it is also because the Proteas bowler is also blessed with a competitive attitude that never lets him back down from a fight.
The head of MRF Pace Bowling Academy in Chennai saw Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the academy a few years ago. McGrath admitted that he was impressed by Bumrah’s performance because his awkward actions mixed with good pacing made it hard for batsmen to figure out his next move.
“He bowls great yorkers in one-day and shorter versions with the old ball, and that’s his strength and he is getting better and better with time. He will be a key player for India in World Cup,” he continued.
The World Cup starts this Thursday and ends on July 14 at Lord’s Cricket Grounds.
