McGrath wants to lead Aussie bowling with new ball

Sydney, Mar 4 (UNI) Retiring seamer Glenn McGrath wants to lead the Australian bowling attack with the new ball in the absence of Brett Lee as he strives to taste World Cup glory for the last time.

McGrath was used as first change after Lee and Nathan Bracken, in the home tri-series against England and New Zealand.

He was reinstated as spearhead in New Zealand in the Chappell-Hadlee series when Lee tore his ankle ligaments in a fielding mishap before being ruled out of the World Cup.

''With Brett not being here, it will be interesting to see what we do with our bowling line-up and whether I take the new ball again, or whether we think about Mitch (Mitchell Johnson) or Taity taking the new ball,'' said 37-year-old McGrath, who is in his fourth World Cup.

''I love taking the new ball, obviously that's the way I would prefer to go, but I'll sit down and I'll have a think about the game and which is best suited to the team, as well as talk to Buck (coach John Buchanan) and Ricky and the other guys,'' he was quoted as saying by Sydney -based Sunday Telegraph.

McGrath's metronomic line and length and cunning variety has made him an ideal first change, particularly as he can maintain pressure through the early part of an innings when the pair of five-over power plays are usually employed.

But, his aura and big-game attitude could be a key early weapon as he takes aim at continuing his reputation as a World Cup performer.

''At the end of the day, if it means me bowling first change is better for the team, then I'll do that,'' McGrath said.

He admitted of having mixed emotions when he packed his cricketing kit for the Caribbean and left his family behind at home here.

''Part of me is happy, part of me is sad,'' he said.

''It's what I have done for the last 14 years. I love it. This is my last official first-class, international matches that I'll play.

In that respect it's sad.'' McGrath has so far claimed 45 wickets in the four editions of the showpiece event he had participated, which is second only to former Pakistan all-rounder Wasim Akram's haul of 54.

UNI