Along with Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath is also the highest wicket-taker for Australia in ODIs, till now. Both the right-arm pacers took 380 wickets each in their splendid careers. McGrath played 249 matches and took wickets at an average of 22. Apart from the wickets column, McGrath also won a few World Cups for Australia and he almost had a direct impact in most of these wins. It was in 1993 against South Africa in Melbourne that the pacer made his ODI debut. Interestingly, his playing XI in both Test and ODI debut was the same. Nevertheless, here, we take a look at Australia’s playing XI when Glenn McGrath made his ODI Debut.
Openers: Mark Taylor and Michael Slater
Mark Taylor and Michael Slater opened a lot of games for Australia back then. Under Mark Taylor’s captaincy, McGrath also played quite a few encounters. In this particular game, the duo enjoyed a fine partnership, exceeding 100. Michael Slater top-scored for Australia with 73 runs.
Middle-Order: David Boon, Allan Border (C) and Ian Healy (WK)
David Boon and Allan Border were an integral part of the Aussie middle order during those years. Especially at the time when McGrath made his debut, Boon and Border added experience along with superb current form. Ian Healy was the primary option behind the stumps back then.
All-Rounders: Mark Waugh and Steve Waugh
Mark Waugh and Steve Waugh were the all-rounders in Australia’s playing XI when Glenn McGrath made his ODI Debut. The Waugh brothers added terrific balance to the squad with their skills in both departments. Later, Steve Waugh also led the squad and Glenn McGrath played an important part in the team. In this game, though, the duo did not do well and Australia had to lose the game.
Bowlers: Paul Rieffel, Craig McDermott, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath
Paul Rieffel and Craig McDermott played a lot of games as pacers for Australia. While Paul played 92 games, Craig represented Australia in 138 encounters. Shane Warne was obviously the best bet to lead the spin attack even then. McGrath could not pick a wicket in his first ODI match.
