Glen McGrath - on the way back?

[R W S]

McGrath sets his sights on 2007 World Cup
McGrath, who has missed Australia's last nine Tests due to injury, said that his 10-month lay-off through ankle surgery has made him stronger and capable of bowling for another three years. Although 34, he believes that this new beginning will lengthen his career, when previously he thought that the 2005 Ashes tour would be his swansong.

"My goal now, for me, is the 2007 World Cup," he said. "Before I thought I wouldn't play that long but now I think it's a realistic goal and something I want to achieve, so hopefully there's three years left in me."

McGrath's return has been described by chief selector Trevor Hohns thus "With the short nature of the tour(to Zimbabwe), it is a good chance for Glenn to ease his way back into competitive cricket." He added: "It gives us an opportunity to assess how well he is going in a view to the next 12 months and what lies ahead for the Australian cricket team."

I see from todays 3rd ODI against Zim he was used as first change.

McGrath, (Born: February 9, 1970 ), was the best bowler of his and many other generations. What are the propects now for this outstanding individual ? Is there another Ashes series in him or will the tour to India be his last? Or will he achieve his goal of playing through to the 2007 world cup?

[R W S]

Wisden CricInfo staff

June 8, 2004

Glenn McGrath has effectively been put on notice by Trevor Hohns, Australia's chairman of selectors, ahead of today's selection of the squad to play Sri Lanka next month.

Hohns has told Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper that the progress of McGrath, if picked, will be watched with particular interest.

Asked if the two-Test series might be McGrath's last chance, Hohns replied: "It could well be. Watching his speed on TV [in Zimbabwe], it wasn't anything to write home about.

"It's up to him to do the business. It's an important one for him if he is chosen to play. We need to assess and see whether there is something left for Glenn McGrath."

The comments, entirely out of character from the normally monosyllabic Hohns, would seem a thinly veiled attempt to fire McGrath up. Now 34, he took only one wicket in 26 overs against Zimbabwe in his comeback one-day tournament, prompting concerns among various observers that he might be nearing the end of the road.

McGrath, for his part, has maintained he is "not too far away" from his best.

Australia will announce either a 12 or 13-man squad for the two Tests in Darwin and Cairns. The rookie quick Shaun Tait is a chance to step in should Brad Williams be judged too big an injury risk.

[DanielJamesSimon]

Glenn McGrath is clearly Australia's greatest fast bowler from the past decade or two. I think it's sad that they're already talking about young Shaun Tait replacing him. As good as Tait might be, he's not McGrath. McGrath's been out of action for so long that he was bound to be under his best in Zimbabwe. Give him a few more games - he'll be back.

[Zeke]

I'm pretty sure Trevor was just using the media to fire McGrath up. Everyone knows McGrath bowls best when he's angry of has soemthing to prove!