'I am not sure when it will hit me'

Bridgetown, Barbados: A bowling legend bids farewell to international cricket today, and that while at his best. Glenn McGrath played his final game in the finals of the World Cup, a decision that speaks volumes of his tremendous strength of character.

Without getting emotional, McGrath spoke about his feelings on walking away from international cricket before the start of the final.

Here was a friendly McGrath, much unlike the bowler that batsmen around the world hate to face.

Take any budding fast bowler these days, and their ultimate goal would be to bowl like Glenn McGrath.

Gulf News wanted to know what message does he have for them? Unlike his deliveries, the pacer put it very simply.

"If you can bowl 99 balls out of a hundred to generally hit the deck, then you will get wickets. It has worked for me over the last 12 to 14 years."

Simple it may sound, but it can be the most complex thing to do whilst bowling.

When you are a thinking bowler, there is this constant talking that one does to oneself.

Wonder whether he has thought or gauged the impact of his decision on himself?

"I am not sure when or if that will hit me."

Happy memories

"Maybe only when Australia plays next without me," he was honest enough to admit.

And what most fans would like to know is his decision to opt for Barbados and not his own country to say good-bye.

What better time than a World Cup, most would like to think. Partly yes.

"If it was not for the World Cup I would have liked to end my career in Australia.

"I am happy to retire here because I have happy memories of Barbados. This is where I took my first five-wicket haul in international cricket."

In 1994, McGrath produced a deadly spell of 5 for 68 at the Kensington Oval against West Indies.

And the spells continued till the time he decided to call it quits.

In fact, it is only getting deadlier. How does he explain that? Is it because of the lack of pressure to perform?

"Frankly, on this tour I've felt more relaxed than I ever have. "I've enjoyed it and maybe that's the reason I've played very well."

Among the batsmen who play very well, whom does he relish the challenge of bowling to?

"The two standouts are Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar.

"I enjoy being tested by the best. Only then will one realise where one stands. Among these two guys, Brian was slightly in front of Sachin when they were at their peak."

Sadly, he was hardly tested by them in this World Cup. And the bowler who has impressed him the most? Curtly Ambrose and Wasim Akram.