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| December 18, 2003 | Thursday | Shawwal 23, 1424 |
McGrath ruled out of entire series
MELBOURNE, Dec 17: Australia’s chances of coming from behind to win the series against India suffered a blow on Wednesday when paceman Glenn McGrath was ruled out of the third and fourth Tests.
McGrath, who missed the first two matches after undergoing ankle surgery in August, had hoped to play in the Melbourne Test which starts on Dec 26 and the Sydney Test beginning on Jan 2.
But New South Wales selectors have ruled the 33-year-old out of the four-day interstate match against Tasmania in Sydney starting on Friday and say the fast bowler has earmarked Jan 9 for his return.
“Glenn had a scan yesterday (Tuesday) and it’s improved a lot but he’s still not right to play,” New South Wales team spokesman Glenn Daniel told reporters.
“He’s aiming for the New South Wales game against Victoria starting on Jan 9.”
McGrath is the sixth highest wicket-taker in Tests with 430 victims in 95 matches.
India lead the four-Test series against Australia 1-0 after winning the second Test in Adelaide by four wickets on Tuesday.
Australia were also without paceman Brett Lee and leg-spinner Shane Warne, who is serving a 12-month doping ban, for the first two Tests.
Fast bowler Jason Gillespie suffered a groin strain in Adelaide while Brad Williams was also hampered by a shoulder complaint.
The fiery Lee is set to return from stomach and ankle injuries for the third Test after taking four wickets for New South Wales in an interstate match against Victoria in Melbourne earlier this week.
“Brett’s okay and he’s in good shape,” Daniel said.
Meanwhile, India’s stunning win in the second Test sparked national celebrations at home but the tourists are enjoying being away from the spotlight, coach John Wright said on Wednesday.
Captain Saurav Ganguly’s side play Australia ‘A’ in a three-day match starting on Friday in the Tasmanian capital of Hobart.
“We’ll just keep our feet on the ground and keep working,” Wright told reporters in Hobart.
The former New Zealand opening batsman added: “(Staying grounded is) a little bit easier here than in India.
“We’ve enjoyed the success but there’s still two Tests to go,” the coach said following India’s first Test victory in Australia for 22 years.
Man-of-the-Match Rahul Dravid, who hit 233 and 72 not out, said: “Everyone has spoken to family and friends and we’re happy that we’ve made a lot of people happy.
“But it’s quite different (here) because you’re away on tour and cocooned away from what’s happening (in India) which is sometimes a good thing because you can stay focused on the job at hand.”—Reuters
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