Ageing bull: One year after retirement, McGrath still in a league of his own

The big difference between the McGrath from one year ago, when he signed off from the international stage after Australia’s third straight World Cup triumph, is that he seems much calmer now.

The man who was once prone to the odd snarl and the occasional mid-pitch spat has been all smiles since landing in India. After he had decimated Bangalore’s chase with 4-29 at the Kotla last week, McGrath sat grinning as his captain, Virender Sehwag, answered a few questions in Hindi. “I agree,” he slipped in as Sehwag paused for breath.

Today, when asked if he would miss the presence of his Aussie mates Matthew Hayden and Michael Hussey in the game against Chennai, his reply was a quick no. “I won’t have to bowl to them.”

The absence of Chennai’s deadly duo, back Down Under for national duty, will be Dhoni’s biggest headache when McGrath runs in against their shaky top-order on Thursday evening. Three back-to-back losses would have put demons in their heads — not ideal with McGrath asking questions as well.