I feel happy to have progressed with every match, says McGrath

Mohali: The seniormost pacer in modern cricket once again silenced his critics by proving his ability as Australia's finest strike bowler.

On the eve of the Champions Trophy semi-final, he had hit out at reports that had questioned his ability to bowl fast as well as his fitness. Glenn McGrath quietened them all with a brilliant spell, and as if to display his stamina and fitness, he bowled his quota of ten overs at a stretch.

McGrath is not very expressive with emotions and it is very hard to read what goes on in his mind. Even after bagging the Man of the Match, there was hardly any sign of joy or satisfaction.

He gave the impression of a veteran soldier, whom normal emotions often fail to move.

An extremely friendly and courteous person off the field, McGrath is extremely aggressive on the field and conveys the impression of a toughie.

Was your performance today an answer to your critics? "I feel happy that I have progressed with every match. I would be very happy if I would have a good game on Sunday too in Mumbai," is what he answered, tactfully avoiding saying that it was a performance meant to silence his critics.

Does he believe that Australia has one of the finest pace attacks in the world today?

"We have a good combination of five pacers. It looks pretty good. The wicket here too suited our bowling," he said, once again ducking away from boasting that the pace attack, led by him, is the world's most fearsome one. Do the younger pacers in his team look up to him for some bowling tips? For the first time, McGrath smiled. "Do you think I have an option?" he asked and quickly added: "I enjoy bowling with them and providing any help they need. They all look pretty good and will have a good future."

McGrath is keen to do well in the Ashes series and also go on to perform at his best in the World Cup. He knows that the 2007 World Cup will be his last one.

"I've always believed that age is no barrier as long as you keep performing at your best. The day I realise I am not fit enough to give my best, I will stop playing." As of now, McGrath is enjoying his game and that is hardly good news for all his opponents!

"I've always believed that age is no barrier as long as you keep performing at your best. The day I realise I am not fit enough to give my best, I will stop playing."