McGrath seeks ‘perfect’ farewell
Glenn McGrath says a five-wicket haul to set up victory in the World Cup final would be the perfect way to end his 13-year international career.
McGrath came of age at Bridgetown’s Kensington Oval in 1994, when he took 5-68 in a Test against West Indies.
"I’ve got a lot of memories here in Barbados. This is where I took my first five-for in international cricket.
“To me a perfect way to finish would be another five-for, a win, walk off and happy days,” said McGrath, 37.
As he prepared for his 250th one-day international, McGrath said he did not feel any different.
But he admitted he was ready to retire and would have done so earlier had it not been for the World Cup, even though he has been the stand-out bowler with 25 wickets.
**“To me it just feels like business as usual. I’m not sure when or if that will hit me, maybe when Australia plays again or after the game,” he continued.
"But at the moment I feel the same as for every game I’ve played.
"I’m looking forward to retirement - there’s no doubt about that - but I still love playing.
“On this tour I’ve probably felt more relaxed than I ever have. I’ve enjoyed it and maybe that’s the reason I’ve played well.”**
Asked to single out the best batsman he has faced, McGrath gave Brian Lara of West Indies the edge over India’s Sachin Tendulkar.
“Obviously the two stand-outs are Brian and Sachin and I feel from bowling to those two guys that probably Brian was slightly in front of Sachin when they were at their peaks,” he said.
He nominated West Indies great Curtly Ambrose and former Pakistan left-armer Wasim Akram as the bowlers he most admired.
But he was also upbeat over the quality of the bowlers who will take his place in the Aussie side.
“I feel pretty good walking away because there are so many fast bowlers coming through,” he added.
"Stuart Clark has come onto the international scene, especially in Test matches.
"We’ve got Mitchell Johnston, Shaun Tait’s coming through and we’ve got Brett Lee coming back hopefully from his ankle injury, and Nathan Bracken too.
“To me the fast-bowling cupboard is full and they’ve got plenty of options.”
