McGrath urges 'ageing' Shami to take cue from Anderson

The current Indian pace attack has still lot to offer before the Gen-Next can take over, feels legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath, who also urged Mohammed Shami to take a cue from England veteran James Anderson's about longevity.

McGrath's comments came on the day when India wrapped up an impressive 4-1 Test series victory over England at home.

"We have to wait and see the next generation coming through. (Jasprit) Bumrah has still got a bit to go, (Mohammed) Shami is a little older, and (Mohammed) Siraj has been around for a little while but still has plenty left.

“So, the (current Indian) bowling attack has still some life left," McGrath told PTI on the sidelines of an MRF Pace Foundation event in Chennai on Saturday.

"They are exceptional and have done the job for a long time. Shami has been absolutely brilliant as to what he can do with the ball, his control, attitude and the way he adapts are absolutely amazing.

"You have Siraj, who has done well. You also have Bumrah in the mix, along with the other guys. So, they are indeed in a great position," he added.

Senior India pacer Shami was the notable absentee in the Test series against England, as he recently underwent a successful surgery on his Achilles tendon.

But McGrath wants Shami to take inspiration from Anderson about how to deal with fitness as age grows.

The 41-year-old Anderson scalped his 700th wicket in the Dharamshala Test on Saturday, becoming the first fast bowler in international cricket to reach the feat.

"It's tough, but the one thing that bowlers like him (Shami) possess is experience. He's been around for a long time and is an exceptional bowler," feels McGrath.

"But, as you get older, you still need motivation to train hard, prepare and get out there and perform. Look at someone like James Anderson, who is 41, taking 700 Test wickets and still bowling well.

"So, you can still be at the top of your game. But as you get older, being a fast bowler it is tough on the body, and it can certainly have an impact in the longer run."

Although the Indian spinners were in the limelight in the series, Bumrah ended up as the home team's second-highest wicket-taker.

Asked if Bumrah was considered among the top three pacers in the world cricket currently, McGrath vouched for it.

"He's (Bumrah) definitely up there, there's no doubt about that. Glad to see him back in international cricket. Despite having to sit some time out with the injury, he possesses quality.

"He's unique with the way he bowls, but he has got a great attitude. He runs in hard all day, bowls in great areas, along with a good pace.

“Although he has a different run-up and action compared to most other bowlers, he has found a way to take wickets and be successful," McGrath said.     

We prepare fast bowlers to play all the three formats

The Chennai-based MRF Pace Foundation, with McGrath being the Director, organised a talent hunt event in the city, 'Ace of Pace', which saw over 4,000 applicants from across the country, with 1,000 being selected for tryouts.

About 100 pacers arrived here and three of the talented fast bowlers were selected to train at the academy.

When asked if the academy focuses on a particular format in terms of training the pacers, McGrath said that the focus is only on fast bowling.

"We prepare fast bowlers to play all three formats. Since it is a fast-bowling academy, we only focus on pacers and developing the next generation coming through," he stated.

"So, it's about getting them fit and strong and getting them to know their action well and improve it, besides bowling at top pace all day without getting injured. It's also about their mindset and attitude, how they adapt to conditions and to be able to think on their own."

Time for bowlers to step up and match the batters

The upcoming T20 World Cup is all set to be played in the West Indies and the United States in June this year.

Although the Caribbean is a familiar territory for most of the global cricketers, the same cannot be said for the USA.

Asked how the pacers would be able to make an impact on an uncharted territory like the US, McGrath proclaimed that it's time for the bowlers to evolve in the format, just like the batters.

"Not sure how the pitches are going to play there (in the US). I played a tournament there a long time ago with Sachin (Tendulkar) and Shane (Warne), and that too on a baseball field.

"So, the fast bowlers will again have to adapt to the conditions, execute and have that match awareness. It's going to be interesting.

“The batters have taken the game to the next level with innovation, and it's time for the bowlers to step up and match them," he signed off.