World Cup 2019: Glenn McGrath picks his top three current pacers

Australian former fast bowler Glenn McGrath holds a legendary status in the annals of the game thanks to his brilliant performances with both the red and white balls. McGrath made his debut in 1993 and said goodbye to cricket in 2007 leaving a legacy of 124 Tests and 250 ODI international matches behind him.

Currently, the fast bowling great is the head of the MRF Pace Bowling Academy in Chennai and is grooming pacers for the future. McGrath was recently asked by ESPNCricinfo in a video to pick his top three modern fast bowlers from the current crop and his answers displayed that he still followed the game keenly and was brilliantly analytic about each of his picks.

McGrath picks one fast bowler each from Australia, South Africa, and India

McGrath to play the game and has 563 wickets in 124 Tests and 381 wickets in 250 ODI matches. In ICC World Cup cricket, McGrath is the highest wicket-taker with 71 scalps and was part of Australia’s 1999, 2003 and 2007 champion teams. He was also named the Man of the Tournament in 2007 edition, which was his last international assignment.

For his first pick, McGrath chose Australia’s Pat Cummins and described him as an amazing bowler. “Runs in hard all day, give his 100%. 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,” McGrath was quoted as saying.

Next, he chose South Africa’s own Kagiso Rabada. He mentioned that the Proteas quick has been a quality bowler for some time now and knows how to build pressure by bowling at high speed. He is also blessed with a competitive attitude to go with that speed and never backs down from any fight.

Bumrah will be a key player for India in World Cup, says McGrath

McGrath then picked India’s Jasprit Bumrah, who he had seen in the MRF academy some years ago, as he worked on remodelling his action. The Australia great mentioned that he was impressed by his performance down under recently and pointed out that his awkward action combined with good pace made it hard for the batsmen to figure him out.

“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,” McGrath praised Bumrah.