I want our players and especially our bowlers working at 95 per cent or more: Glenn McGrath

Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath has said that while the modern-day fast bowlers like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc are all-format players, it is mandatory for them to be given longer breaks.

According to reports, a forgettable performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 at home has raised questions on whether the pace trio must be included in all formats by Cricket Australia (CA) while taking the T20 World Cup 2024 into consideration.

Australia’s title defence came to an abrupt end in the Super 12 stage as they had to bow out of the tournament due to an inferior net run rate.

The 89-run loss to Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand proved to be the turning point in Australia's campaign as they were never able to resuscitate their net run rate afterwards.

The bowlers have adapted: Glenn McGrath

“The bowlers have adapted," McGrath was quoted as saying by the West Australian.

“Josh Hazlewood is one of the world’s best T20 bowlers. He has shown that in the past with the way he has gone about it. Pat Cummins can adapt just because of the areas he bowls. Starcy’s (Mitchell Starc) a match winner when he gets it right. He (Starc) is as good as anyone in the world. I have no issues there with our bowling attack,” he added.

“Resting bowlers throughout a season from a game here to a game there, that was my biggest risk of getting injured," McGrath said. “That’s a band-aid solution. I want our players and especially our bowlers working at 95 per cent or more,” said the three-time World Cup winner.

Meanwhile, Aussie pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has yet again refused to register his name for the IPL mini-auction (2022) that is scheduled to be held in Kochi on December 23.

Australian ODI and Test captain Pat Cummins was released by Kolkata Knight Riders earlier after he had requested for the same as he wanted to focus on national commitments including the Ashes series in England in June-July next year and the 2023 50-overs World Cup.

The Australian pace trio would be expected to come out with flying colors when the Aussies visit India for a four-match Test series in February 2023.