“I don’t think they really knew what to do” Glenn McGrath on Australia Bowling in the 4th Test.

Former Australian pace bowler Glenn McGrath expressed his surprise and confusion over the tactics employed by the Australian team during the fourth Ashes 2023 Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. McGrath noted that the Australian bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins, seemed to be taken aback by England’s impressive and aggressive batting display.

Zak Crawley’s exceptional counter-attacking innings seemed to put the Australian bowlers on the back foot, and they appeared to be struggling to find a way to contain him. McGrath particularly observed Cummins, who seemed visibly fatigued in the field, and also appeared to be short of ideas on how to break Crawley’s rhythm.

Glenn McGrath said  “Australia tried a few things. I don’t think they really knew what to do. They were sort of chasing their tail a bit, and I’m not sure they executed their plans that well. Pat Cummins just looks a little bit tired and jaded to me, and that was always a risk of having a fast bowler as captain. England’s got the momentum now, and it’s always hard to steal it back off the team that has it, especially when they’re playing well.”

Australia have retained the Ashes 2023 by 2-1, yet now the fifth Test would be held in Oval.