23rd December, 2006

Cricket Australia tribute to Glenn McGrath

Cricket Australia today thanked Glenn McGrath for his outstanding contribution to Australian cricket following his announcement that he will retire from all cricket after the ICC World Cup in the West Indies in early 2007. Shane Warne Index

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said McGrath, who has taken more Test wickets than any other fast bowler, had achieved the rare distinction of being a consistent match winner in Test and One-day international cricket for 13 years.

“They say bowlers win matches – they must have been thinking of players like Glenn McGrath when they said that,” he said.

“His remorseless accuracy and forensic probing of the slightest weakness in a batsman’s technique is legendary.

“A true professional, he has presented himself in peak condition to open the bowling for his country over 13 years.

“His will power, mental determination and absolute belief in himself and his team mates, has been complemented by a consistency of performance that you only get from champion sportspeople,” he said.

Mr Sutherland said that he admired McGrath for his decision to retire on his own terms and at a time when he continues to be an integral part of the Australian team.

“We fully understand the focussed determination that Glenn has had about winning the Ashes back and then defending the ICC World Cup before stepping aside,” he said.

“His decision also means the Australian public are able to farewell the most productive Test bowling partnership in history when McGrath (555 Test wickets so far) and Warne (699 Test wickets so far) play in the next two 3 mobile Test matches.”

McGrath’s honours include being named Allan Border Medallist and Australian Test Player of the Year (2000), Australian ODI Player of the Year (2001) and Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1998).