Six months ago, McGrath was Australia's undisputed strike bowler (of course along with Warne) but since coming back from his freak injury after Lord's 2005, his Strike Rate and Bowling Average has been on a decline.
Though he did finish the Melbourne Test with 4 wickets, he has taken just 31 wickets in the last 9 Tests (excluding Lord's) at SR of 62.13 and Average of 28.52 (compared to a career SR of 51.3 and Average of 21.44). But more importantly, he rarely looks like taking wickets these days. His is not accurate (one of his biggest strengths) and he is (now) just a line and length bowler who can be taken apart.
Question is, will he realize his time is up, or will he prove me wrong with another "5 for nothing" performance at Sydney next week? Either way, I will be surprised if he is still around for the Ashes next year, let alone the World Cup 2007.
Anyway, here is his Cumulative Strike Rate and Bowling Average since Lord's 2005 (included)...
(click on image to view)
6 comments:
Someone out there is reading your blog :-) http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ausvrsa/content/story/231096.html
My views about McGrath you already know...he's gone down by his own standards...just like SRT. But good enough, I would say.
Worma,
Agreed, both Sachin and McGrath have slipped by their own standards but are still good enough to walk into any team.
But I think the biggest difference between SRT & MG is the Age factor. Sachin still has 4-5 years left in him, whereas MG has another one (or two max).
Hmm..that is a valid point. But why even take away those 2 years away? I think they would push him till next Ashes...and then get a change of guard to be ready by next Ashes.
Worma, Dont you think it would be better for the Aussie to relace McGrath while Warne and to a certain extent Lee, are still Potent?
That way, the person filling McGrath's boots can gain experience under the Shadow of Warne and Lee without the added pressure of winning games for them.
If the Aussie selectors wait another couple of years, they will have to find 2 replacements in their bowling department. Not to mention an aging batting side.
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