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Despite his initial reservations, Glenn McGrath is back to play in the second edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This 40-year-old will spearhead Delhi DareDevils bowling attack in South Africa. McGrath spoke to TWF correspondent A. Roy on issues ranging from security to Tendulkar vs. Bradman
Despite initial reservations you are now in India to play in the IPL. So was the decision taken because the IPL is now being held in South Africa?
It was a tough decision for me to make. I was in two minds whether to come or not. It has been a terrible year for me. But the challenge for me was to take a step ahead and fulfill my commitment. I have a two-year contract with Delhi Daredevils.
You lost your wife Jane last year. Tough time for you?
That was another reason why I was initially reluctant to come and play in IPL. My children are with their grandparents and it was tough leaving them behind at a time when their mother has passed away. It was a tough choice for me to make. But again I am a professional cricketer and had some commitments.
The Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA) had raised its reservation on Australian cricketers visiting subcontinent in the wake of Mumbai incident and Lahore attack on Sri Lankan cricketers. So why did you come to India? You could have flown directly to South Africa?
Look mate, I had no choice. I am contracted with Daredevils. I feel sorry for the incidents that are taking place in the sub-continent. But still the England team also came back to play in the Test series after terrorists attack in Mumbai. So why can't I?
International teams have stopped touring the strife-torn country that has given a lot to the game. Do you feel sorry for Pakistan cricket?
It is unfortunate that cricket in Pakistan is suffering due to instability in the country. It is, in fact, a shame and the most horrific thing is that now cricketers are also being made target by terrorists. There are lots of talented cricketers in Pakistan and they are not able to get the taste of international cricket. You can't help them until and unless the government comes out with a strong policy to stop terrorism.
It will be going to be a different IPL this time since it is being held outside India. How do you feel about it?
It is unfortunate that the tournament was shifted out of India. Last time we got a wonderful response and will feel bad for our fans in Delhi. But on the hindsight, this time IPL will have a global appeal.
Last time Daredevils came very close. What do you think about the team's chances this time?
I think all the guys are in a fantastic form. Be it our openers (Virender Sehwag or Gautam Gambhir) or our bowlers. The side is much balanced and the inclusion of an youngster like David Warner will make team special. Warner is a special talent and I feel he will be the guy to watch out for this time.
Sehwag and Gambhir are in a great form. Do you feel India has the best opening pair in the world now?
I feel players like Sehwag and Gambhir have made a great contribution in India's success overseas. Opening was always a problem for India whenever they played Tests overseas. But now they have a set opening pair and both are aggressive. They have done exceptionally well over the last few months in all forms of the game. I am lucky that I don't have to bowl to them in the IPL.
Do you enjoy bowling to Sehwag?
Yea! I really enjoy a lot bowling to Viru. He is a guy who will give you lot of chances but if you err marginally he will punish you hard. He is a very destructive batsman and can take the game away from you. He is also a fine captain and I have enjoyed bowling under him last year.
Who do you think is the greatest – Sachin Tendulkar or Don Bradman?
Sachin has something very special in him. It is very difficult to say whether Sachin is greater than Don. I am also a Australian loyalist but when it comes to stats, it is Sachin. If you talk about the special factor between the two, Sachin is the very, very special.
Who do you think is a better captain Ricky Ponting or Mahendra Singh Dhoni?
I have great respect for both captains. Ricky is undoubtedly a great leader. I haven't played under Dhoni, so can't say much about him, but I feel he is a fine captain.
What do you think about John Buchanan's multiple-captaincy theory?
Don't know why he (Buchanan) has come up with this idea. I have played under him for a long time and he had a lot of such theories, maybe this is another. I think what he meant was that there should be one captain while senior players should help him in decision making. At the end of the day there should be one leader on the field and he should be accountable for all.
You are pushing 40. Players like you and Sanath Jayasuriya have shown that Twenty20 is not just for youngsters?
You can play as long as you are fit. For bowlers it becomes a bit tough while batsmen can play till 40. Sanath is a great cricketer and he is a fine shape. He has a great hand and eye co-ordination and I feel he can play for another couple of years if he maintains his fitness level.
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