Glenn McGrath has backed former team-mate Brett Lee to thrive on the challenge of leading Australia's attack.
Aussie legend backs former team-mate to step up to the plate
Glenn McGrath has backed former team-mate Brett Lee to thrive on the challenge of leading Australia's attack against Sri Lanka and India this winter.
With McGrath and legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne now having retired from the international scene, Lee has assumed the mantle of senior bowler in the Baggy Greens ranks.
However, McGrath feels it is a responsibility he will relish and backed the quickie to lead by example.
Passion
"He's got real passion for the game and when you're out bowling you can really focus on what you have to do as well as helping the other guys out," he stated.
"I've got full confidence in 'Binger' (Lee) to be able to do that very well. I think he loves that."
McGrath also went on to defend Lee's recent wicketless outing against Queensland in the Pura Cup, claiming the SCG pitch was to blame rather than a poor performance from the 30-year-old.
"The way wickets are becoming these days in Australia, where they're so flat, so batsmen friendly, especially here in Sydney - I think more of a concern is the wickets we're preparing," he added.
"It was good to see Matty Hayden get runs and Simon Katich to go out there and get a huge effort.
"So some guys did well out of it, obviously it was tough bowling, but it's good for Brett to have a real good hit-out.
"He did that and he'll be ready for the first Test."
McGrath also voiced his belief that Australian selectors should also include a spinner for the first Test against the touring Sri Lankans that gets underway at the Gabba on November 8.
"It's always good to have a spinner in the mix," he continued. "Stuart MacGill is an option depending whether his knee has come back well enough and he's happy with the way he is bowling.
"For me, I'd go with Brad Hogg. I think has done an exceptional job for Australia so I think he should be in the mix.
"If they go for a spinner, it'll definitely be out of one of those two guys."
