During the late 90s and early 2000s, the rivalry between two of the greatest cricketers in their department, Sachin Tendulkar and Glenn McGrath were one of the most keenly anticipated events for enthusiasts.
The duel between the two greats involved a battle of domination among them. McGrath tried to dislodge Sachin with his nagging line and lengths, while Sachin looked to counter-attack with his vast array of strokes.
In recent years, there have been several anecdotes revealed by Sachin, describing his bids to cope up with McGrath. Namely, the 2000 Champions Trophy game between India and Australia when Sachin decided to charge Mcgrath to upset his rhythm.
This time around, Sachin detailed about the 1999 Adelaide Test match where McGrath’s strategy was to annoy the Master Blaster with deliveries outside the off-stump.
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“That was their strategy… ‘let’s frustrate Sachin. 70 per cent of the ball should go to (wicket-keeper) Adam Gilchrist and 10 per cent close to his bat. If he plays or chases deliveries outside the off-stump we have succeeded’,” Sachin told Jatin Sapru in Star Sports show Cricket Connected.
Then, Sachin recalled about patiently respecting McGrath’s spell in order to dominate the next day. “I thought this evening I am patient but tomorrow morning I am gonna play the way I want. You won’t control how I want to play but I would control where you are going to bowl,” added Sachin.
The next day, Sachin had the better of ‘The Pigeon’ as he smacked the pacer for many boundaries. “I remember hitting him for a few boundaries the next morning because it was a fresh day and we both were at the same level,” concluded Sachin.
Also during the conversation, Sachin talked about his rivalry with Shane Warne and his famous ‘Desert Storm’ knocks against Australia in Sharjah.
