Glenn McGrath identifies Australia's 'X-factor' that might trouble India in Test series

As India gear up to lock horns with Australia in Border-Gavaskar Trophy, veteran speedster Glenn McGrath has identified 'X-factor' of host team which tilts tables slightly in ir favour. Heaping praise on Australia's pace battery, McGrath stressed on significance of Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins in squad but remarked that Mitchell Starc has got X-factor and can also pick four-five wickets at a go. However, legendary pacer did t discount Indian pace attack and added that trio of Bumrah, Shami and Yadav are tough to beat when on fire. 

Speaking of Australian wickets in a media interaction, McGrath stated that y do t have same pace and bounce as y would earlier. He highlighted that fear factor was more about pace and bounce in Australia, which is quicker than in India. However, he added that last series win in Australia in 2019-20 would give India a lot of confidence. 

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Praising India's pace attack, McGrath said, "Umesh Yadav’s got raw pace, Mohammed Shami has great control and swings ball both ways and Bumrah is just class. He has great mental strength. His second and third spells are just as quick as his first. You have guys who, if on fire, are tough to beat.”

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India tour of Australia 

India will kick off ir tour to Australia with a three-match ODI series starting on Friday, 27 vember, followed by as many T20Is and four Tests. T20Is will be played in Canberra (4 December) and Sydney (6, 8 December). 

first Test will be a day/night affair, from 17-21 December at Adelaide Oval. Melbourne Cricket Ground (26-30 December) will host Boxing Day Test, before action moves to Sydney Cricket Ground (7-11 January) and Gabba (15-19 January). With India currently on top of World Test Championship table and Australia in second, series is expected to be a thriller, as it will also be a part of ICC World Test Championship. 

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