Important for captain and coach to be on same page: Glenn McGrath

Q. The MRF Pace Foundation and Cricket Australia's exchange programme has completed 25 years. You have been with MRF foundation for the past five years. How has been the experience so far for you?

McGrath: I have enjoyed it — the association with Cricket Australia and their cricket academy — National Cricket Academy. Its been going for 25 years. I have been one of the first trainees 25 years ago. Life has come full circle and for the last five years I have been involved as a director of coaching. I have seen the experience from the different side, first as a player and now as a coach. I have been working with the young Indian bowlers here, helping them out making their journey through the system a lot smoother. Its been very good.

Q. How the programme has benefited the players?

McGrath: I think it has been really beneficial. For me, when I first came here as a young cricketer from Australia to experience the conditions in India and especially the wickets, its a contrast what we get back home. It was really beneficial for me and for the young players who come over from Australia where they get to bowl to Indian batsmen. And also the Indian bowlers go to Australia to train out there. I think they are going to benefit in bowling in different conditions. So if they do go on and play for India or India A and they travel to Australia, they will be used to the conditions.

Q. Your role has been of mentoring and coaching the fast bowlers at MRF foundation, how different is from playing?

McGrath: Quite a bit different when you are on the other side of the fence. When I was playing I was very focused on what I had to achieve, what I needed to do to prepare myself. Now when I am the coach hopefully I pass on some advice, information and techniques and things which helps the young bowlers here. Well its been good experience and different. Hopefully I can impart little bit of my experience on to the bowlers that will help them become better cricketers.

Q. How easy was the translation from player to coach. Do you miss playing when you see youngsters prepare?

McGrath: In respect to playing, when I retired I was ready to retire. I haven't been playing which means I retired that's one positive. Funny thing was I never wanted to coach when I retired. After giving up the game five years back I still had a lot to offer and specially the experience I had. Hopefully I could pass on the to the young guys coming through. Plenty of opportunities were coming so I spoke with Dennis Lilee and he convinced me to come over and look at it. I really enjoyed it. It was another challenge. I have learnt a lot about technical side of fast bowling as a coach. I wish I knew those when I was playing.

Q. Coming to coaching, what is the role of a coach as far as international cricket is concerned.

McGrath: I think when you coach in international cricket it's a little bit different. You don't need to teach skills because skillswise they already know the game well. It's more about being a man manager where you make sure everything is provided to the players. Also help out the mental side of the game, the preparation, thought processes. That's my opinion what a coach in international level does.

Q. As an outsider how do you see the whole coaching fiasco that the Indian team went through from Anil Kumble to Ravi Shastri?

McGrath: I kept looking from the outside. I don't know much hence its not for me to comment. How Ravi came in or what's happening. Unfortunately I can't comment on that.

Q. How important is the relationship between coach and the captain?

McGrath: I think its very important for the captain and coach to be on the same page, get on and work together. Its not just about eleven playing in the middle but about the whole squad, ensuring that everyone's ready as a player and how to get the best out of the team. Its important that coach and the captain have a similar thought.

Q. Australian players are unemployed, what do you think of the situation there?

McGrath: Hopefully it gets sorted out very quickly and the players get on playing again, the fans can enjoy the cricket. I think it should get sorted out and get back to business as usual.

Q. What kind of an impact will it make on the minds of Smith & Co when they come out to play again for Australia, considering that David Warner recently said it doesn’t feel like a family any more?

McGrath: No, no. I think they should be alright, today's players are professionals and focus on the game. Business will be as usual. I don't think there will be any issues and they will get back soon.

Q. How do you see the evolution of Indian fast bowlers?

McGrath: Normally, when they first come to MRF pace foundation they are quite raw and have some pace. They don't know much about the technical side, are very raw and can bowl quick. It's our job to prepare them them as cricketers, make them realise there is no substitute for hard work. They work hard when they are here. Its about knowing themselves, knowing the game here, being fit and strong and mentally tough.

Q. Your thoughts on the current India's bowling attack.

McGrath: They are going well at the moment and Its good to see that. Every team needs to have quality fast bowlers competing on the world circuit and not just only in their own conditions. They are doing really a good job and bowling really well. IPL has played a part as they get to bowl to the best batsmen from around the world on regular basis.