Glenn McGrath says India are the favorites in the Indo-Pak clash

Going into the Champions Trophy 2017, Australia have a squad that is laden with pace bowling options, and a leg-spinner that is new to England. Even though their senior batsmen are few in number, they still possess a strong side which can prove daunting for the opposition. No wonder bowling legend Glenn McGrath has picked Australia as his team to come up trumps in the tournament which will be played in England and Wales from 1 to 18 June.

Apart from Australia, McGrath also considers India and England a strong side and feels they be in the semi-finals. The bowler is in India to train the emerging pacers from the country in his MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, where he shared his opinions on the 8 participating teams in the ICC mega event. He also feels that New Zealand can go a long way in the tournament if Martin Guptill performs consistently.

“Australia is certainly looking good for the title. Then you have India, which is a strong side, apart from England, the host. These two sides should also be in the semifinals. If Martin Guptill fires for New Zealand early on, then it is a very dangerous side.”

India enjoy upper hand over Pakistan

Speaking of India’s arch-rivals Pakistan, McGrath did not want to rule them out of the tournament. He feels Pakistan have a good bowling attack and can beat anyone on their day.

Interacting with the media in India, it was imperative for the paparazzi to ask him his take on the big clash between India and Pakistan. McGrath didn’t mince his words and considered India the favourites in the game since they have an all-round side. He was particularly pleased with the Indian pace attack.

“Umesh Yadav is bowling really well, and (Jasprit) Bumrah is bowling at good pace with potent yorkers. They should do well in the tournament,” the former Aussie pacer said.