Glenn McGrath backs Joe Root against Kevin Pietersen’s criticism

Dubai: Kevin Pietersen’s recent tweet questioning Joe Root’s place among cricket’s elite reignited debate in the cricketing world. The former England batting star, never shy of strong opinions, implied that Root’s achievements did not match those of past greats, 22 great fast bowlers from a previous generation — a list that included Australian legend Glenn McGrath himself.

However, Australian fast bowling legend Glenn McGrath, one among them, has come to Root’s defence, offering a measured and respectful perspective on one of modern cricket’s most accomplished batsmen.

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, McGrath, who is conducting his masterclass with MRF Pace Foundation trainees in Chennai, acknowledged Pietersen’s comments but pushed back on the notion that Root’s record was less impressive. “I think KP puts himself in that other era when bowlers were better,” McGrath said, referring to a time when pitches, equipment, and playing conditions differed vastly. “But there are still quality fast bowlers around today. You look at Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Jasprit Bumrah — they’re top-class. You can’t take anything away from Root and what he’s achieved. He continues to achieve at a high level.”

Root’s Test career has been marked by consistency, technical brilliance, and adaptability. Since debuting in 2012, Root has scored over 13,500 runs at an average hovering above 50, with 39 Test centuries to his name. His ability to anchor innings and bat for long periods has earned him respect from peers and fans alike. During the recently concluded, high-voltage five-Test series against India, Root scored three centuries for a tally of 537 runs that saw him surpass Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting to the second spot behind Sachin Tendulkar in overall runs scored. Despite his 39 centuries, Root has a notable gap in his record — a challenge McGrath highlighted — his performances in Australia.

Massive challenge awaits Root

“Root hasn’t scored a Test century in Australia yet,” McGrath noted. “His average there is in the mid-30s, which is nowhere near what his career average is. That’s a massive challenge for him. The Australian bowlers will be doing everything they can to make sure that continues.”

Root’s recent performances in Australia were blighted by the weight of captaincy. McGrath believes that after stepping down from that role, Root will be able to concentrate fully on his batting during the upcoming Ashes series, which begins in Perth in November this year.

“He won’t have the pressures of captaincy now, which might help him focus better on his game,” McGrath said. “If he can find form in Australia, it will complete his legacy.”

McGrath was unequivocal in his praise, stating, “When Root retires, he’ll be remembered as one of the greats of the game.”

As cricket moves into a new era with intense media scrutiny and fierce competition, such an endorsement from a legend like McGrath adds weight to Root’s credentials. The challenge remains for Root to conquer Australia — but his record, resilience, and determination have already earned him a distinguished place in cricket history.