Practice makes a man perfect, is an old saying. According to Australia pace legend Glenn McGrath, however, it’s a different theory altogether for a cricketer, especially if he is a fast bowler.
McGrath’s adage is “Perfect practice makes a man perfect.” Maybe that’s what inspired his ward Ishwar Pandey to bowl India A to victory over South Africa A with his splendid bowling last week.
When McGrath as director of the MRF Pace Foundation visited the academy in June, he was all praise for Pandey, who was the leading wicket-taker in the last season’s Ranji Trophy with 48 wickets. The Australian had said Pandey has the credentials to go far.
And as McGrath started his second session with the foundation on Monday he would have been happy for Pandey. “If you are a fast bowler in India you normally tend to enjoy bowling in South Africa. The pitches have not been assisting the pacers and they are pretty flat. Pandey is bowling well and has taken wickets (seven wickets in the first unofficial Test),” the Australian legend said.
The pace foundation has played a significant role in the development of the pacer and for a country that is not blessed with the best of fast bowlers Pandey might turn out to be the next big thing. “Pandey has an excellent action; he understands what he is doing. He hits the right areas and more importantly can bowl for long periods.
“He has a clean action and has now started to concentrate on other things like building pressure and analysing the game. He has got everything worked out and I would like to see him bowl for India and I’m sure he will go a long way,” added McGrath.
With a tour of South Africa beckoning India McGrath advised the Indian bowlers not to get carried away with helpful conditions.
“If you are a good fast bowler in India, you will enjoy bowling in Australia, South Africa and England. They should not get carried away with the bounce. Wherever you bowl, one has to hit the right areas and pitch it up. And get the basics right. Whether it’s ODIs or Tests or T20, execution is important,” said McGrath who took 563 Test wickets — most for a fast bowler in the history of the game.
With Zaheer Khan, who is back from France after a training camp, saying he is ready to make a comeback, McGrath said the left-arm pacer’s presence will support India’s pace attack.
“The older you get, you need to work harder. There is no off-season because of the IPL. When you bowl continuously you don’t get to work on your fitness. Now he has to work harder than the beginning of his career and his training shows he is willing to put the extra yard.
“Zaheer brings a lot experience and knows what to do. And the younger players will learn from him, so it will be good if he is back in the team,” added McGrath.