Former Aussie pacer Glenn McGrath has backed the decision of Pat Cummins to opt out of the upcoming edition of the IPL. In his opinion, the break from IPL will allow bowlers to take sufficient rest and feel refreshed for the upcoming matches.
Cummins cited international commitments as a reason to opt out of the cash-rich league. He was one of the most expensive buys of the franchise in the previous edition.
Speaking to AAP, McGrath said that continuous running can take a toll on fast bowlers.
“Cummo has come out and said he’s not going to the next IPL. That’s where you have your offseason, get strong and get through the next season. If you don’t do that, you’re a car that never refuels. Sooner or later, you’re going to run out. Fast bowlers need to have a bit of an offseason because bowling and running depletes your strength.”
“Test cricket is still the ultimate” – McGrath
He further added, “You don’t want to devalue the Big Bash, but you have to weigh up what is important. Playing for Australia should still be the be-all and end-all. Test cricket is still the ultimate.”
Mitchel Starc has stayed away from the IPL since 2015 as playing for his country is his first priority. Fellow pacer Josh Hazlewood is likely to be a part of the IPL. McGrath commented on the pace trio of Starc, Cummins and Hazelwood.
“The bowlers have adapted. Josh Hazlewood is one of the world’s best T20 bowlers. He has shown that in the past with the way he has gone about it. Pat Cummins can adapt just because of the areas he bowls. Starcy’s a match winner when he gets it right. He is as good as anyone in the world. I have no issues there with our bowling attack.”
The trio will be seen returning in action against the West Indies at Perth.
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