Has them bowled over

"HE'S SO tall", whispered a little one, his eye filled with wonder and admiration. He was finally getting to see one of his cricketing heroes in flesh and blood, and at such close quarters.

The kid was one among the few who had the golden opportunity of meeting and talking to the 6ft 7inch tall, lean and athletic Glenn McGrath, Australia's 'express' bowler, who was in Chennai to play the third Test against India.

Looking absolutely relaxed, with a smile on his face, McGrath had what one would describe as a 'cool' and friendly look. Dressed in black jeans, white T-shirt and a cap, he walked into the ballroom of the Taj, immediately grabbing everyone's attention. He was there to meet some of his fans and answer questions on himself, and of course, his game.

The event was promoted by Gillette India and targeted the distributors. After touring Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata, it was Chennai's turn to meet the legendary fast bowler. However, the audience was warned not to ask "embarrassing" (read match fixing) questions. So much so, a questionnaire was prepared before hand.

Enough has been said and written about McGrath's superb figures, especially his haul of 321 (just before the Chennai Test) wickets and his career best figure of eight for 38 at Lord's. Here was an opportunity to find out more about McGrath, the man.

And after a quick introduction, it was McGrath's turn to "say a few words". With a clear voice, the legend spoke of his childhood in a village in New South Wales, his second time pregnant wife and their baby son James, and of course, his passion for cricket.

"As a kid, I was more interested in football, golf and tennis. It was only when I was 17 that I took to serious cricket," revealed Pigeon, as he is nicknamed by his friends. "That's because of my long legs!".

Since then there has been no looking back, as the cliche goes. One kid in the audience wanted to know which was his most difficult wicket? The answer was immediate, "Sachin Tendulkar!" He then added with a smile, "Of course after the last match, I would think it's V.V.S. Laxman. But Sachin is the biggest challenge for me, and I enjoy bowling to him. Also, Brian Lara can be very difficult."

Another kid wanted to know what strategy he had planned to oust Tendulkar in the Chennai Test? That McGrath has a superb sense of humour was evident when he replied, "I hope he gets out cheaply like he did before!". But then he added, "But seriously, we'll try everything possible to contain the guys." there were several questions that elicited funny responses like - What are Australia's weaknesses? "I think I shouldn't be telling you that!" or What do you shave with? "Gillette Mach 3, of course!"

Talking about his fellow mates, his affection for them was visible. "Oh! I get along with all the guys. But if you want me to single out one, I think it's my captain, Steve Waugh. In fact, Steve was the best man at my wedding."

Who did he consider the fastest bowler? "Oh there are a lot of them... Dennis Lillee, Marshall, Garner. But I would personally think it's Jeff Thompson."

And the session went on...

Then it was time for some action... in the lobby. McGrath had to choose the best bowler, which meant he had to bat. And that is exactly what he did. Several in the crowd 'bowled' to the man considered one of the greatest fast bowlers and McGrath thoroughly enjoyed batting during the ten-minute session.

At that point somebody wanted to know if he had met the legend of all time, Sir Donald Bradman. One could sense a trace of regret in his voice when he said, "I did meet him but very briefly. I never really got to talk to him."

Well, that is Glenn McGrath, the man. Cool, composed and confident... on and off the field.

SAVITHA PADMANABHAN

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