McGrath gears up for coaching role

Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath on Sunday was announced as the new director of the MRF Pace Foundation, succeeding compatriot Dennis Lillee. The fourth highest Test wicket-taker will begin his stint next year, and make three trips in a year.

Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath on Sunday was announced as the new director of the MRF Pace Foundation, succeeding compatriot Dennis Lillee. The fourth highest Test wicket-taker will begin his stint next year, and make three trips in a year.

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McGrath himself trained at the foundation under Lillee two decades ago. "It feels great to be taking over from Lillee, one of the best coaches I have worked with and was my biggest inspiration while growing up." On expectations from him, he said, "coaching is new for me, but I have loved new challenges as a player and if I can do half of what Lillee has done, or what I did as player, I would be happy."

Future plans
On his plans for the foundation, he said, "One of the key areas I would like to work on is training the young players on right attitude and imparting the right work ethic."

Although not as quick as Lillee, McGrath said, "If a bowler can bowl quick, then there is nothing like that. I would never trade anything for pace. Skill and technique are keys, but they can take you only so far. Self- belief and the right attitude is the key and is that what made me successful."

"I have not followed a lot of cricket since I retired but Zaheer Khan has been really impressive for India," is his take on Indian bowlers.