McGrath slams Bucknor dumping
Glenn McGrath, the most successful fast bowler in cricket history, has slammed the ICC for buckling to India’s demands to have umpire Steve Bucknor removed from the third test against Australia at the WACA.
Bucknor, guilty of several poor decisions at the SCG, was rested by the ICC, who have drafted in New Zealand’s Billy Bowden to officiate with Asad Rauf in the Perth test.
“Steve I think is very good. I’ve got a lot of time for him. I class him as a friend as well.,” McGrath said after his brief return to top class cricket, helping New South Wales to a close victory over Queensland in a Twenty20 match at ANZ Stadium, Sydney.
“I think it’s sad and disappointing that it gets to the stage where you have a bad game and they’re calling for your head.
“What is there, eight international umpires on the panel? If you have a couple of teams that aren’t happy with umpires, all of a sudden you’ve one to choose from,” McGrath said.
“That’s why we have the ICC to control things, rather than individual countries.
“I think it’s ridiculous.”
McGrath had an eventual night, receiving a standing ovation from the 23,000 strong crowd as he strode to the crease, only to be run out first ball. The 124-test veteran quickly settled into stride with the ball, taking a miserly 1 for 11 off 4 overs, as the Blues successfully defended their small total of 121.
“Awesome to see so many people turn up to support NSW, and maybe me a little a bit,” McGrath said.
Despite McGrath’s form, the 37 year old says he does not regret ending his international career in 2007.
“Four overs took its toll. It’s like I bowled thirty overs in a day. At one stage I thought I should have stayed retired.”
McGrath will play in the upcoming Indian Premier League.
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