Think Test cricket is ‘alive and well’: McGrath

Australia pace bowling legend Glenn McGrath on Friday noted the uncommon English conditions in the ongoing India-England series, but said that the series, along with the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has restored his confidence that Test cricket is “alive and well.”

“It’s been quite high-scoring, which is a little unusual English conditions with the Dukes cricket ball. But it hasn’t been a one-sided affair. It’s been good, solid Test cricket. It’s been enjoyable. It’s close.

“I was worried that Test cricket was struggling a bit. But after watching the Australia-India and the England-India series, I think Test cricket is alive and well, especially in those three countries.

“Obviously, they want the game to last as long as possible. I don’t mind if the pitches are a little flat, as long as there’s something in it for the bowler. And if the game’s coming right down to the wire on the fifth day, then it’s perfect, isn’t it? When we saw that last game (at Old Trafford), there was a chance of a result, but India batted well and held on. Everyone’s been interested and watching. I think they’re getting good crowds. They haven’t been slow, boring matches,” he said at the MRF-Pachaiyappa’s ground here.

Asked if India should ration the volume of overs that Jasprit Bumrah bowls to allow him to play more Tests, he said: “If he’s just bowling in short spells, then the batting team know they just can get through the three or four overs and then they’re away. So, it depends a lot on the other bowlers. I’ve watched Prasidh Krishna bowl in the IPL, and I’ve always been a big fan of him. Unfortunately, he didn’t get more opportunities in Australia. But yes, you need another group of fast bowlers coming through to balance it out so that he doesn’t have to bowl long spells.”

On whether Bumrah should consider staying away from white-ball formats, he said: “He’s so effective in one-day and T20 cricket. To limit himself to Test cricket would be a shame.”