Deal firmly with spot-fixers: McGrath

Glenn McGrath is back at the MRF Pace Foundation. The Australian pace great will guide emerging pacemen here till June 26. He will be assisted by the foundation head coach M. Senthilnathan.

Former Australia paceman Criag McDermott will be joining the camp with four Australian Cricket Academy boys on Sunday.

McGrath shared his thoughts on a variety of issues with newspersons here on Friday.

On spot and match-fixing: I always gave my hundred per cent and have been saddened by recent events. It’s about one’s integrity and respect. I think the authorities should have strict laws in place and implement them consistently. Cricketers involved should not get away lightly.

On Shane Warne and Mark Waugh being fined for sharing information with bookies: I have played plenty of cricket with Shane and Mark. On the field, they gave it their all. I felt they were naïve in doing what they did. But they came forward themselves and shared the information.

On DRS: Whether India wants to have it or not is its own decision. I feel DRS is good for the game. It helps the umpires. I, however, believe the teams have not used the system in the best possible manner. They seem to be taking a chance with some decisions without being sure and there are times when selfishness has crept in.

On injuries to pacemen: Someone like Pat Cummins could have a future despite injuries. Bones harden up and become stronger only around age 25. Also because of the number of ODI and Twenty20 matches and the amount of travelling, there is not much recovery time for pacemen between games and series.

On the David Warner incident: It was unfortunate. What happens off the field is as important as what occurs on it. Cricketers should behave as professionals and role models.

On young pacemen at the foundation including Ishwar Pandey: I think Pandey was the leading wicket-taker in the last Ranji season with 48 wickets.

He has been bowling in the right areas and has improved from the last time I saw him here. We will have 17 bowlers at this camp and they are a good crop.