England have led in white-ball cricket for the past seven years, becoming the first men’s team to hold T20 and One-Day World Cup trophies at the same time this week. They have done so with an all-out attacking approach – encouraging batsmen not to fear failure and to go after the match whenever possible. McGrath wants to make a mark in Australian cricket.
Glenn McGrath told AAP, “The Australian team always played fearless cricket. I wonder if they are playing with more fear of losing. You just have to go out and back yourself up. That’s what England are playing at the moment.
“When you play this kind of cricket, things are more in your favour. England’s cross-format success has prompted suggestions that the current team is the best limited-overs side in history.
McGrath is being claimed to be contesting after being part of the Australian team that won three consecutive ODI World Cups. “I have to disagree (England are the best),” McGrath said. “There have been some great and great teams over the years. I would like to say that we can give them a good chance for their money, if not better than that.
“England’s opening partnerships in ODIs have run at a run rate of 6.57 since a disappointing 2015 World Cup performance, with New Zealand being the next best at 5.89.
In contrast, Australia has long adopted a foundation-building approach before exploding late. “I always say that if you can motivate players to go out there and play without fear, it’s great what you can achieve,” McGrath said.
Glenn McGrath concluded, “You still have to play sensible cricket. Don’t go out and be careful in the air with shots that aren’t there. It’s about striking a balance and the Australian team needs to bounce back right here. England are trying their luck and if things don’t work out for you then at times it can get a little worse. “