Only Ponting can beat Tendulkar’s unreachable record: McGrath

Monday, 3 January 2011 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sydney, Jan 1 (IANS) Former Australian fast bowler Glen Mcgrath feels that Ricky Ponting can bounce back from a slump in form and also beat Sachin Tendulkar’s record of maximum runs in Test cricket.

‘I always had a lot of faith in Ricky as a captain and a bloke. I would play under him any day of the week. I have still got total faith in him,’ McGrath was quoted as saying in The Daily Telegraph. ‘I always felt that Ricky would finish his Test career with the most runs of anyone in the history of the game. Sachin (Tendulkar) is probably a little bit out of reach at the moment but I have got total faith in Rick bouncing back,’ he said.

Mcgrath is certainly disappointed with the Ashes defeat but is amazed at the severe criticism faced by the team that not so long ago was a dominant force in the world.

‘Growing up as a kid in Australia, playing cricket, the Ashes is always the big one. To play them here in Australia, and lose them, is pretty disappointing but you know what? It amazes me how, when Australia was so dominant, everyone was saying it was bad for world cricket. All of a sudden, the boys have lost a few games and everyone is calling for their heads.’

The former Australian pace spearhead backed the home team to win the Fifth Test in Sydney.

‘Like I said, it was not that long ago that Australian cricket was too strong and that was bad for world cricket. It goes in cycles. I have got total faith the boys will bounce back and get back to the top of the tree. Well win here and it will be good to finish the series two-all,’ he said.