Greatest test XI of the modern era

#10 Glenn McGrath

‘Pigeon’ was extraordinarily accurate and spectacular in both formats

If one fast bowler could be considered as the epitome of accuracy and discipline in the modern era, that title would undoubtedly be conferred on Glenn McGrath. McGrath’s modus operandi was the simplest of all but was mighty effective.

He bowled an impeccable line and length around the off stump and rarely deviated from it. It is often said that McGrath had the ability to bowl all six deliveries in an over at the same spot.

His great height naturally fetched him great bounce that made him a difficult proposition for the batsmen. McGrath suffocated the batsmen with his extremely disciplined bowling and induced false shots from them that led them to their doom. In his duels with great batsmen of his time like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, McGrath often emerged as the winner.

McGrath is the only pacer to breach the barrier of 500 test wickets apart from Courtney Walsh, and his tally of 563 wickets in 124 matches is the highest for any fast bowler in test cricket. His average of 21.64 is marvelous.

The Australian team of the modern era was blessed with many first-rate bowlers like Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie but McGrath’s position as the best pacer in the team remained unrivalled. As he is the most prolific fast bowler in the history, Glenn McGrath walks into the team as the leader of the pace attack.