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McGain stakes his claim

Principal Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Australia’s search for a quality leg-spinner continues after the retirement of Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill. And Bryce Edward McGain (36) may be one of the strong contenders for the job.

At his age any cricketer may be deemed to be on the downhill side of his career.

But, in the Australian set-up, there is still a long way to go and there are many who are eager to stake their claim for the prize job. McGain believes he is one of them.

Currently on a tour of India with the Australia ‘A’ team, this leg-spinner from Victoria with the experience of just 19 first-class games and 60 scalps before the Hyderabad match, believes that age is secondary. “What matters is your fitness and bowling performances,” he said.

“My philosophy is simple — keep improving.”

It is not always easy to step into the shoes of the legendary Warne. Especially when you are an Australian — there are bound to be high expectations and pressures.

Be yourself

“I don’t look at it that way. You have to be yourself when you are on the field. No doubt, it was an inspirational sight to see Warne in action. We learn so many things by watching such cricketers. But when it comes to my career, all that matters is my performance,” he said.

Getting better

McGain also makes it a point to assert that he might not be getting younger but he is getting better.

“It was an important experience to play in the first three-day match against India ‘A’ in Bangalore. There are quite a few lessons I learnt from that. Like I don’t get disheartened after being hit for a six.

“I stick to basics. Keep bowling good balls, maintain length and exploit the spinning conditions, if any,” says the leggie who also feels that he is still good enough for another four years of top-class cricket.

McGain emphasises that Shane Warne and Daniel Vettori were the biggest influences on his bowling and signs off saying he is ready to keep working hard and wait eagerly to realise his dream of playing for his country.

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