Former fast bowler hopes to get a bat for Blues

McGrath set for Twenty20 comeback

Cricinfo staff

January 7, 2008

	Glenn McGrath had Sydney farewells in ODI and Test cricket last season but he will now say goodbye in a state match on Tuesday © Getty Images

Glenn McGrath hopes to bat for the first time in his New South Wales limited-overs career when he makes a one-off Twenty20 appearance against Queensland on Tuesday night. While McGrath got a series of Test farewells in 2006-07, he did not receive a significant goodbye from the Blues and will break his retirement to bowl fours overs and, hopefully, get a hit.

Last season Andrew Johns, the rugby league star who was a guest player, was shepherded from the strike by Simon Katich in the final over as the captain tried to command a failed chase. It's unlikely the same thing will happen to McGrath, who spent most of his career as a No. 11.

"There's been talk I'm moving up the order," he said. "I've never batted in a one-dayer for New South Wales, so I will wait to see what happens."

McGrath had a bowl in the SCG nets during the second day of the Test and is pleased with his condition. "I thought I'd be struggling a bit, but I am surprised how good I feel," he said. "The ball came out pretty well."

The match is being played at the Olympic stadium in Sydney and McGrath will use it as preparation for his Twenty20 stint with the Indian Premier League in April. He has watched Australia in Tests and ODIs since retiring and has no desire to return to the longer forms. "To me four overs is the maximum I want to play, so I'm fairly happy."

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