Interesting read - Vernon head start on Glenn McGrath

[prinzo]

Whether or not their careers in the longer-term will truly merit comparison with each other, perceived similarities between South African bowling sensation Vernon Philander and Australian great Glenn McGrath keep being highlighted. It is an inevitable consequence not only of PhilanderÃÔ rousing success in the wickets column after only six Test matches, but also of the way he applies ceaseless pressure, McGrath-like, through his exemplary accuracy and creation of doubt in batsmenÃÔ minds. It doesnÃÕ need statisticians and crusty cricket critics to point out to you that short-term comparisons can be odious, given that overall careers may eventually tell notably different stories. Just for one thing, PhilanderÃÔ fledgling career in the five-day game spans a few months at this stage; McGrath was a formidable competitor for the Baggy Greens over a period of some 14 years between 1993 and 2007, and retired only a month short of his 37th birthday. But it is irresistible, nevertheless, to weigh them up head to head after six Tests each, following PhilanderÃÔ latest stellar showing (match figures 10/114) in the second Test against New Zealand at Hamilton. At least one big difference quickly becomes apparent: like so many youngsters starting out for their country, McGrath didnÃÕ immediately take the world by storm in the manner Philander has. űigeon produced only 14 wickets in that period, with a best of three for 65 against South Africa, coincidentally, at Newlands in March 1994. It was not until his 10th Test, against West Indies in their second innings in Bridgetown, that he experienced his first ÅÇive-for (5/68). In his own first six Tests, Cape Cobras star Philander has scooped an incredible 45 wickets at an average of 13.60, including no fewer than five five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket match hauls already. The last-named statistic puts him only one behind McGrath, who a little surprisingly got only three 10-scalp hauls in a Test match throughout his 124-Test career. Keep in mind, though, that McGrathÃÔ Test years corresponded pretty much in entirety with the presence in the same team of leg-spin maestro Shane Warne, who was not averse to ripping through sides with ridiculous ease himself at times. But he did earn eight wickets in a single innings twice (best 8/24 against Pakistan at Perth) PhilanderÃÔ best thus far is his 6/44 in New ZealandÃÔ second innings in the most recent Test at Seddon Park. Something sobering to chew on for Philander is that he will do exceedingly well to match or eclipse McGrathÃÔ overall Test tally of 563 wickets (the fourth best ever) at 21.64 and economy rate of 2.49. A drawback he has is that McGrath launched his Test career aged 23; Philander has earned his first recognition in the format at 26. Also to bear in mind is that Philander has only been exposed to three Test opponents thus far Australia, Sri Lanka and now New Zealand. The flatter, more challenging pitches of the Subcontinent, for example, still lie ahead. There is also no certainty yet as to whether PhilanderÃÔ riotous success in Tests will see him restored to one-day international cricket more routinely again; he has been rather more tentative in this arena since his debut some five years ago and sports seven wickets at 35.42 from eight appearances. McGrath played 250 ODIs and scooped 381 wickets at 22.02. In physical terms McGrath and Philander are streets apart; McGrath was tall, almost scrawny in his early years and languid, whilst Philander is shorter, stockier and more bustling in his action. But as long as he keeps dominating Test matches in the extraordinary way he has thus far or even to a slightly smaller extent! Philander will keep pundits interested in weighing him up against one Glenn Donald McGrath, you can be sure ...

[rkt.india]

exceptional start

[Vijy]

Great start, and even if he doesn't quite keep up this phenomenal start, he still has all the attributes to become an ATG.

[Ultimate_Game]

Bowlers like McGrath, Philander and Pollock show what is possible if you simply have discipline and control. I would have any of those 3 anyday over a 150kph speed-demon who is not consistent in line & length.

[India-KXIP fan]

Has played on very bowler friendly pitches. Still to be seen whether he will perform in SC or other flatter pitches.

[Crookbond]

Has played on very bowler friendly pitches. Still to be seen whether he will perform in SC or other flatter pitches.

It's still counts else the batsmen would've had no chance.

[Zelig]

Has played on very bowler friendly pitches. Still to be seen whether he will perform in SC or other flatter pitches.

True. I am guessing he will end up eventually alongside Hilfy. Okay/sub-par on flat wickies, great under swinging conditions.

[daryl1985]

He has been outstanding up to now. Love watching him bowl. Don't think he could ever be as economical as McGrath.

[Vijy]

True. I am guessing he will end up eventually alongside Hilfy. Okay/sub-par on flat wickies, great under swinging conditions.

The Hilf is quite a good bowler on most pitches. He was very good against us in Mohali, although he didn't pick up many wickets. And on our tour to Oz, we played at Adelaide and Sydney and neither of them are very helpful to pacers. Besides, Philander's control and movement is better than either Anderson of Hilf. Of course, this does not automatically mean that he will do well, but I don't see him doing too badly.

[vvvslaxman]

True. I am guessing he will end up eventually alongside Hilfy. Okay/sub-par on flat wickies, great under swinging conditions.

I think he has outbowled Steyn who is the no.1 bowler in the world.

[ganeshran]

He has the McGrathesque ability to keep bowling that nagging off stump line over and over again. That being said, a lot of bowlers have had exceptional starts to their careers only to be found out later.

[Vijy]

^ Mendis for instance

[Zelig]

^ Or Ishant Sharma

[vvvslaxman]

^ Or Ishant Sharma

Ishant sharma...averaged 60 in the series that made his name. He became famous only because of a great spell to punter not because he troubled everyone and got bagful of wickets.

[Zelig]

Ishant sharma...averaged 60 in the series that made his name. He became famous only because of a great spell to punter not because he troubled everyone and got bagful of wickets.

I stand corrected Back to trollin' :marchmellow:

[Cricket Tragic]

Much like Irfan Pathan. That delivery to Gilly is what people remember.

[Old guy]

there is a diff.. between mendis and this guy.. mendis got wickets with mystery,philander is just bowling his stock bowl..seaming it in both direction,no lose balls u cant do naything abt them even sachin never dominated mcgrath...

[Guest BossBhai]

-- Removed on request of the user --

[daryl1985]

there is a diff.. between mendis and this guy.. mendis got wickets with mystery,philander is just bowling his stock bowl..seaming it in both direction,no lose balls u cant do naything abt them even sachin never dominated mcgrath...

No-one dominated McGrath as far as i know. Although McGrath had a lot of success against Lara, Lara's average of 45 in games played against McGrath is still a very good one.

[Old guy]

No-one dominated McGrath as far as i know. Although McGrath had a lot of success against Lara' date=' Lara's average of 45 in games played against McGrath is still a very good one.[/quote'] its not abt average..i mean i have seen sachin dominate almost every bowler at his best but not mcgrath :hatsoff: mcgrath actually got better of him many times but i think people take line and length bowling wrongly this guy was a freak...even at end of his career he was good enough to continue :cantstop: