Legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath has questioned Australia’s tactics in the fourth Test match at Old Trafford, Manchester, which ended in a draw after rain played spoilsport on the last two days. McGrath feels the visitors failed to execute their plans in the fourth Test.
Australia was skittled out for 317 runs despite their batters getting off to promising starts. Subsequently, England racked up 592 runs in their first innings after Zak Crawley smashed a magnificent knock of 189 runs off just 182 balls as the right-hander dominated the Australian bowlers.
McGrath, who was well known for his meticulous line and length during his heydays, added Pat Cummins also looked a bit out of steam. Cummins returned with figures of 1-129 in the first innings against the hosts.
Speaking on BBC’s Test Match Special, Glenn McGrath said, “Australia tried a few things. I don’t think they really knew what to do. They were sort of chasing their tail a bit, and I’m not sure they executed their plans that well. Pat Cummins just looks a little bit tired and jaded to me, and that was always a risk of having a fast bowler as captain. England’s got the momentum now, and it’s always hard to steal it back off the team that has it, especially when they’re playing well.”
On the other hand, former Australian skipper Mark Taylor added the team needs to get the best out of Pat Cummins, both as a player as well as a captain.
Taylor told Channel 9: “I’ve always maintained it is harder to be a bowling captain. I think what you saw that over the last couple of days. Everyone is allowed to have a couple of couple of bad days. Pat has done a terrific job. The pressure goes on you but as a bowling captain, you have more on your plate. We need to get the best out of Pat as a skipper but also a bowler. That’s hard when you are doing both jobs under pressure.”
With this draw, Australia has retained the Ashes as they have a 2-1 with one match to go. The fifth and final Test match will be played at Kennington Oval, London from July 27.
