Ageing’ Shami needs to take cue from James Anderson, Indian pace attack has still lot to offer: Glenn McGrath

Dharmendra2 kumar

getcricketnews|10-03-2024

The current Indian pace attack has still lot to offer before the Gen-Next can take over, feels legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath, who also urged Mohammed Shami to take a cue from England veteran James Anderson's about longevity.

We have to wait and see the next generation coming through. (Jasprit) Bumrah has still got a bit to go, (Mohammed) Shami is a little older, and (Mohammed) Siraj has been around for a little while but still has plenty left. So, the (current Indian) bowling attack has still some life left," McGrath told PTI on the sidelines of an MRF Pace Foundation event here on Saturday. "They are exceptional and have done the job for a long time. Shami has been absolutely brilliant as to what he can do with the ball, his control, attitude and the way he adapts are absolutely amazing. "You have Siraj, who has done well. You also have Bumrah in the mix, along with the other guys. So, they are indeed in a great position," he added. Senior India pacer Shami was the notable absentee in the Test series against England, as he recently underwent a successful surgery on his Achilles tendon. But McGrath wants Shami to take inspiration from Anderson about how to deal with fitness as age grows. The 41-year-old Anderson scalped his 700th wicket in the Dharamshala Test on Saturday, becoming the first fast bowler in international cricket to reach the feat. "It's tough, but the one thing that bowlers like him (Shami) possess is experience. He's been around for a long time and is an exceptional bowler," feels McGrath. "But, as you get older, you still need motivation to train hard, prepare and get out there and perform. Look at someone like James Anderson, who is 41, taking 700 Test wickets and still bowling well. "So, you can still be at the top of your game. But as you get older, being a fast bowler it is tough on the body, and it can certainly have an impact in the longer run." Although the Indian spinners were in the limelight in the series, Bumrah ended up as the home team's second-highest wicket-taker.
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