McGrath is likely to miss tri-series too

Sydney: Australia’s No. 1 quick Glenn McGrath, who has been out of action for over five months, is not putting a date on his comeback. His last series, it may be recalled, was against Bangladesh in end July last year.

“Of course, I bowled a bit this (Sunday) morning, but I’m still in the midst of my rehab (after two surgeries on the left ankle)... I suppose it will be another two-three weeks before I resume full-fledged nets and, then, go on from there,” McGrath told The Telegraph at the SCG.

Acknowledging that it was “tough” not being able to feature in the action, he added: “It’s very difficult when the team isn’t doing well... One feels helpless... In any case, it’s tough being sidelined because of injuries.”

McGrath, who turns 34 next month, conceded that Sachin Tendulkar and V.V.S. Laxman had batted beautifully in the deciding Test, but insisted he would have “backed” himself in a face-off with the in-form Indians. “Who knows, I could have got both first ball,” he said, heading for a session with the New South Wales physio.

The Indians, by the way, are relieved they haven’t had to face McGrath in the Tests. It’s more than likely he will miss the forthcoming tri-series as well.