The best and worst of Glenn McGrath
Seldom can Glenn McGrath have shown himself in such contrasting lights as he did at the SCG yesterday. He began by taking the wicket with the new ball and returned to strike again as the Indian batting went to pieces on a pitch whose freshness doubtless owes more to inclement weather than the frailties of the visiting team.
Along the way, though, McGrath celebrated the fall of Sachin Tendulkar in a manner that went beyond understandable exultation and reached into the realms of affront. His antics went beyond those seen from a visiting bowler in the previous match because they had been slowly building and were sustained. It was the least attractive intervention seen from an Australian for some time and slightly spoiled a day upon which the home team, and hosts played some top-class cricket and upon which its bright new force again cut loose in scintillating style
McGrath did some excellent work early in the day. Presented with the new ball and choice of ends, arrangements he can no longer rely upon, McGrath put the ball on the spot and moved it around in his familiar way. He removed a makeshift opener to a catch taken with typical alertness by Mark Waugh, thoroughly enjoying his own day of recognition. Throughout that opening burst the Narromine paceman was threatening, hardly wasting a ball; only bad luck prevented him taking further wickets.
After seven overs the bowling was changed and Brett Lee given his chance. Once again Lee looked at home in his surroundings. Actually he looks as if he could fit in anywhere, on a catwalk, a skateboarding ramp or any soap opera, an adaptability that adds to his appeal. If anything his hair has become even more orange and it seemed to be arranged in a swashbuckling sort of way. One senses that youngsters would follow him wherever he led.
McGrath returned to undertake his assignment of removing Tendulkar before a promising beginning could be turned into something substantial. McGrath removed the Indian master in the World Cup and again in Adelaide. Now he wanted his scalp once more. For his part the visiting captain was committed to playing an attacking game. He pulled and drove using the full force of his shoulders. His opponent seemed especially displeased to find bumpers being despatched to square leg.
Then came an over of fierce confrontation. Three times McGrath dropped short and each time Tendulkar hooked, 10 runs resulting. By and large this exacting bowler does his best work when his brain is at its coolest. Here he was in a bad mood. McGrath pitched up and was driven for his pains. His response was a bumper that Tendulkar ducked whereupon the bowler made a brief address. Fourteen runs had come in those five balls.
McGrath came fighting back with a more typical delivery that pitched on a length and cut to catch the batsman on his crease. The finger went up whereupon McGrath raced across the pitch to shout and wave in a manner that did not look well.
Tendulkar left without a word. It did not seem much of a way to treat a batsman of any sort, let alone a champion. Nor was it much of a way to treat a guest or a visiting captain.
Surprisingly, McGrath was not called to account. It must all be down to pot luck. What's good for the goose must be good for everyone else. Whether it is fair to dwell upon these moments is hard to say. But they are seen on television, and kids will follow the example of their heroes. These Australians do many fine things, and even wore the caps of yesteryear to show respect for the champions of that period, and those appearing since. McGrath is himself a proven champion, but this was among his worst moments