Anil Kumble was a fighter who wouldn't give an inch : Glenn McGrath

Glenn McGrath was in India for a regular coaching camp at the MRF pace foundation in Chennai and spoke about Kumble in an exclusive interview with ToI.

Asked about Kumble's appointment, 'Pigeon' said, “I think it's a great move. I have always believed bowlers are the smartest ones (laughs). Whether you are batsman or a bowler, you have to be a good man-manager. I think Anil has been there for a long time in the game, and I am sure he would do a very good job as coach of the Indian team. I haven't seen him as a coach, but as a player Anil was a fighter who wouldn't give an inch, and he would take the same attitude into his coaching as well”.

The ex-pacer also spoke about how the West Indian wickets have mellowed down over time and are not the same fearsome pitches they once were.

McGrath said, “The wickets in West Indies are a little different to what they used to be earlier. They are more like Indian wickets, and I am sure the Indian bowlers would do just fine. The current Indian bowling unit has played around the world and knows how to adjust to the conditions,” reported ToI.

The legend was questioned about what would be challenging for the current Australian team. McGrath chose to answer another question however, and went on to talk about how teams across the world are struggling in overseas conditions. “It's an issue not just for the Australian team, but for a lot of other teams as well. They play well in their home conditions and not so when they travel abroad. When England go to Australia, they get belted and the same happens when we go to England. Touring and being able to play in different conditions have been an issue for Australian side, but I am sure we should be able to make amends starting from the series against Sri Lanka,” he said.

Asked finally about the trending topic of the time, the pink ball, McGrath said, “I think they have got some work to do to get things right (and bring parity between bat and ball). Last year, the day & night Test match in Adelaide was a success. But, they have a few issues to iron out which I am sure will be done so in due course. I feel the concept of day & night Tests is really good as it will bring in the crowds. We have got to keep Test cricket going as players across the world look to play the oldest format of the game for their respective countries,” reported ToI.