McGrath believes young guns will see Australia through

Updated on: 02 January,2009 08:19 AM IST |
PA Sports |

Test great Glenn McGrath believes Australia's cricketing 'recession' will have an upside, with a rush of new talent emerging to ensure the crisis is short-lived.

OPTIMISTIC: Glenn McGrath

The former opening bowler, who took 563 wickets in 124 Tests, has backed the likes of Ben Hilfenhaus and Doug Bollinger to feed off the success of Mitchell Johnson and re-build Australia's damaged reputation after series losses to India and South Africa. Ricky Ponting's team head into tomorrow's third Test against South Africa 0-2 down and looking to avoid the first home series whitewash in 122 years.

"It's definitely a challenge for the Australian team at the moment but I can still see positives," McGrath said.
"There's a lot of opportunity for young guys coming in. They can come in and make their mark and start a career.

"The way Mitchell Johnson's bowled this year (2008) has been sensational.

"He always had the potential and now he's got the confidence.

"He's done some great work and hopefully the young fellas can work around him and 2-1 would be the perfect way to finish off a series (against South Africa)."

McGrath also warned against pensioning off injured quick Brett Lee, who requires an operation on his left foot after sustaining stress fractures and will be out of action for at least six weeks.

"I've got total confidence in Brett. You saw the way he led the way when Shane (Warne) and myself retired - I think he did an exceptional job," McGrath said.

"With stress fracture it's not a good thing and to go into a game not 100% is tough work. Hopefully 'Binga' can have a good rest, get the problems sorted and get fit and strong and hopefully come back to his best." Sport

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