MELBOURNE, Feb 16: Australia’s Glenn McGrath, who has a Test batting average of seven, is expected to sign a bat sponsorship deal ahead of the first Test against South Africa in Johannesburg which starts Friday.

McGrath, 32, is Australia’s leading wicket-taker among fast bowlers, boasting a tally of 377 dismissals in 81 Tests, second only to leg-spinner Shane Warne’s 430 wickets.

His batting, however, is a different story. His record at test level includes 23 ducks and a highest score of 39, despite devoted coaching from his team mates.

McGrath expects to use a Somers bat in the first Test as part of a three-year deal worth an undisclosed sum, with a bonus of US$5,000 if he makes a half-century.

“That incentive is always good but I think I’ve had nearly more stories on my batting than my bowling, so the sponsorship opportunity is certainly there,” McGrath was quoted as saying by the Australian Associated Press Saturday.

“The bat is offset by one degree from the handle so instead of me hitting the ball straight in the air, you’ll see me hitting it over mid-on and mid-off to the fence.

“The idea is that your hands come through first.”—Reuters