Former Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath said people need not be harsh towards MS Dhoni for not being able to finish the first T20 against West Indies in USA on Saturday.
“He’s been one of the best finishers of the game. He’s been a quality player for a long time. Not finishing anymore a little bit harsh judgment,” said McGrath on the sidelines of a promotional event in Kolkata on Tuesday.
He has already retired from Tests. His strength is in the shorter format of the game. I feel he still has a lot to offer with the young guys coming in,” McGrath added.
The fast bowler, who has been an integral part of many successful tours in the subcontinent, said the next year’s tour of India could be tough especially after the way they capitulated against Sri Lanka.
“The Sri Lankan tour is a big disappointment, there’s no doubt about that. Especially with the way things went in Sri Lanka on turning wickets, they have got a lot of work to do between now and then. The Aussie will find it tough in India unless they turn things around pretty quickly,” said McGrath.
McGrath said their application against spinners wasn’t up to par. “They really get too defensive and look to survive. They need to find a way as a team or as an individual to cope with the turning wickets. They should have the intent to score runs. They just can’t look to survive,” he said, adding Australia would have to find some shots to tackle India’s spin attack.
{{/usCountry}}McGrath said their application against spinners wasn’t up to par. “They really get too defensive and look to survive. They need to find a way as a team or as an individual to cope with the turning wickets. They should have the intent to score runs. They just can’t look to survive,” he said, adding Australia would have to find some shots to tackle India’s spin attack.
{{/usCountry}}“You look back to 2001 or 2004 where Matthew Hayden decided to play the sweep shot. He played it really well and that’s how he took on the bowling on turning wickets. Our batsmen need to find ways to score and not just look to survive on turning tracks,” he said.
Having faced Sachin Tendulkar in the prime of his career, McGrath didn’t want to compare him with Virat Kohli but said the latter brought an attitude to his batting.
“There’s no doubt that Sachin is one of the all time greats. Virat is confident, he’s got this attitude to batting. He does not back down. Sachin was positive and confident and went about his business. Virat brings a different level of attitude to the game which I like and I think that will hold him in good stead. I think he will be around for a long time. Virat probably comes a bit harder at you, considering today’s T20 format,” he said.