McGrath Backs Australia’s Ageing Pace Trio but Expects a Handover Soon

Glenn McGrath has thrown his support behind Australia’s experienced fast-bowling group while cautioning that a changing of the guard cannot be far away. Looking at the Test side from an Australian viewpoint, he noted that Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are all in their mid-to-late thirties and wondered how much longer they can keep going at the top level.

The Ashes as motivation

McGrath suggested that next year’s Ashes in England could give the trio a reason to carry on. Australia have not won an Ashes series outright in England since 2001, and he hoped that fact would act as an incentive. Even so, he accepted that turnover is inevitable.

The next wave

The former paceman said a number of bowlers are emerging. He named Spencer Johnson as someone with real pace, and mentioned Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett, who have been regulars in white-ball cricket. The open question, he said, is whether they have been given enough opportunities, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

McGrath stressed that the Sheffield Shield remains the main route to Test selection. State cricket in Australia is competitive, he said, and there are chances available for those who put their hand up.

A batter to watch

McGrath also spoke warmly about young batter Ollie Peake, suggesting he could be in contention for major assignments such as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India. The selectors will be watching him, he said, and with the team ageing, openings will arise. If Peake gets a chance and performs, McGrath feels he has all the attributes to succeed.