Fast bowling in India is on the right track, believes Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath, who is on a visit to the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai.

Like on his every visit to the Foundation, McGrath, this time too, was quite impressed with the talent and promise of the aspiring Indian quicks. But he agrees India messed up their chances in the just-concluded World Test Championship final at The Oval.

“I couldn’t watch the entire game. But from what I saw, I think the Indian bowlers bowled way too short against (Steve) Smith and (Travis) Head, and allowed them some easy runs. Smith took the ones to give the strike to Head, who scored quickly, something he likes to do.

“That partnership was crucial in terms of the game’s outcome. So yeah, the Indian bowlers kept it just too short,” McGrath, director of coaching at the MRF Pace Foundation, told The Telegraph late on Tuesday evening.

“Overall though, it’s quite pleasing to see India’s quicks do well in recent times, especially (Mohammed) Shami and (Mohammed) Siraj. It’s unfortunate that Jasprit Bumrah still hasn’t been able to return,” the former Australia spearhead, with 563 Test and 381 ODI wickets, said.

Siraj though couldn’t come up with a game-changing spell at The Oval. However, his work ethic has impressed McGrath. “Definitely, he (Siraj)’s an even better bowler now. He’s more aggressive, has gained more experience and is also aware of what he needs to do according to the situation and in terms of the workload,” McGrath said.

Off-season matters

The best way to minimise the possibility of injuries is to have an off-season every year, feels McGrath.

“Well, fast bowling can lead to injuries as more of it depletes your strength. So after a hectic schedule, I feel it’s important to have one off-season as that can help minimise the possibility of injuries.”

Boland vs Bazball

Moving on to the Ashes, McGrath is backing Scott Boland to create problems for the English batsmen.

“Boland got quite a bit out of The Oval pitch that usually does a little less compared to the other wickets in England. I’ve always enjoyed bowling in England... I feel it’ll be ideal for Boland as well as he can get the ball to move off the seam,” McGrath signed off.