Glenn McGrath said on Monday that the Australian team is largely dependent on him steve smith and Marnus Labuschagne in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. According to the 53-year-old veteran player, the entire batting lineup of the Australian team needs to stand firm in the four-match Test series against India.
McGrath said, “I think they are relying too much on Smith and Marnus at the moment. Travis Head has had a really good year as well. The whole batting line-up has to stand up.”
Australia have already won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after suffering heavy defeats in the first two Tests. He is being criticized by former players on various issues including his approach and selection.
McGrath also talked about the performance of the Australian team and said, “I think they haven’t stuck to a game plan on how to play spin in India, that they are confident and can execute.” In the Test, they were very defensive, and in the second Test, they were very aggressive. So we will see if they have learned from those two games.”
“He has to find a happy medium and put a price on his wicket.
In India, you have to build innings on the basis of strong defense and then look at ways to score goals and put pressure on the bowlers.
McGrath further said that the balance of the team has been affected by the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and all-rounder Cameron Green.
“They haven’t been able to come in and clean up the tail. The last three batsmen have scored over 160. They are creating problems. Have they made the right bowling changes? Maybe Pat Cummins Could have come earlier.
“A bit of reverse swing there trying to get an early wicket at the death.
Give credit to the Indian players. He knows how to play on these pitches. He is a spin bowler. They know what the opposition is trying to do,” said the Australian pacer, referring to the way the Indians played in Nagpur and Delhi.
Looking ahead to the next two Tests, McGrath said, “Australia have a long way to go to turn things around. If they leave the side with a scoreline of 4-0, I think they will have done well.” “