McGrath: England to give Australia “run for their money”

England's long awaited victory over the West Indies this summer has even won the respect of Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath. McGrath, currently enjoying a highly successful season with Worcestershire, is not known for bestowing praise lightly, particularly on English cricket, so his words will come as good news to Nasser Hussain.

"They've played some really good cricket this summer," says McGrath, "so it's fair that their confidence should be up. West Indies haven't been playing too well for a while now, but you've still got to go out there and play well, and England did that in convincing fashion. I remember when we beat West Indies for the first time in many, many years back in 1995, and it was a big moment."

McGrath does sound a word of warning too though, reminding England to "keep things in perspective. There is still a lot of work to do and they will have to improve to beat Pakistan this winter, and Australia next summer. The critics here either go one way or the other; one of the headlines read `Nasser leads England to the brink of greatness, so they have to realise that they've only made the first step and keep thins in perspective."

"In Pakistan the wickets will be harder and flatter, but with not so much in them for the fast bowlers. They'll turn though, and with people like Saqlain playing, England will have their work cut out. It will be a big test to see if they can cope with the spin."

McGrath has recently suggested that England were flattered by the 3 - 2 score line the last time the Ashes series was played in England, and that he hadn't seen anything in particular during his season here to suggest that things will be different next time. Perhaps the series victory, and the manner in which it was completed has changed his mind though? "They're looking good as a team, and could give Australia a real run for their money next year. We'll still be favourites, but I don't think it will be a walk over."

Ominously though, it sounds as if he likes the thought of bowling to the English batsmen. "Apart from Atherton, they haven't really done the job this summer, so they'll have to improve. They've got a good bowling attack though, particularly Caddick and Gough"