Mitchell Starc, YTop 5 Bowlers with most wickets in 2019
Mitchell Starc (Credits: Getty)

The upcoming Test series between hosts Australia and India has been billed as the battle between two of the best fast bowling attacks of the current era, and while the Indian pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma did outbowl their Aussie counterparts in the last series in 2018-19, former Australian pacer, Glenn McGrath has hailed Mitchell Starc as a real ‘X-Factor’ and as someone whom according to the legendary pacer, could prove to be the difference between the two teams.

Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, New Zealand vs India 2020, India
Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

McGrath, however, heaped high praise on the Indian fast bowling contingent, adding that when on the fire, the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, who was the leading wicket-taker in the last series, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav could prove to be real ‘tough to beat’.

”Umesh Yadav’s got raw pace, Mohammed Shami has great control and swings the ball both ways and Bumrah is just class. He has great mental strength. His second and third spells are just as quick as his first. You have guys who, if on fire, are tough to beat.” Glenn McGrath told Hindustan Times.

“Not to take anything away from the Indian fast bowlers of the past. These guys have a slightly different mindset… The confidence of the current generation sets them apart,” McGrath added.

 

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‘When he gets it right, he can pick four-five wickets at a go’- Glenn McGrath on Mitchell Starc

Glenn McGrath, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood
Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood (Credits: ESPNCricinfo)

The legendary pacer added that even though the Australian wickets do not have the same pace and bounce that they used to have in the past, the hosts’ trio of pacers have it in them to make life difficult fot the Indian batsmen.

”In early days, Indian batsmen weren’t used to the extra pace and bounce Australian wickets had. You wouldn’t say there was real fear, but it was not something they were used to. The fear factor was more about pace and bounce. I don’t think Australian wickets have the same pace and bounce. But it’s still quicker than in India. The last series win will give them a lot of confidence.” McGrath added.

Australia vs India 2018, Mitchell Starc, Shane Warne
Mitchell Starc. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Glenn McGrath lauded Josh Hazlewood for his discipline, Pat Cummins for his relentlessness but according to the three-time World Cup-winner, it is Mitchell Starc, who can prove to be the real ‘X-Factor’ for the Aussies.

”But on a par you have Josh Hazlewood, he bowls in good areas and is tall, strong,” McGrath added. “Then Pat Cummins is the No.1 bowler in the world. He runs in all day, always gives 100 per cent. He gets slightly different angles because of the way he runs in.

Then you have left-arm Mitchell Starc. When he gets it right, he can pick four-five wickets at a go. He has got that X-factor. If both teams are bowling at the top of their game, I would probably put Australia slightly ahead only because of the left-hander, which makes a big impact,” he said.

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