On this day in 1993: Legendary Glenn McGrath’s ODI debut

Glenn McGrath is one of the best pacers to have represented Australia at the highest level. He was known for his reputation of picking up wickets in any conditions. He was also a part of the Aussies’ three successive World Cup triumphs between 1999 to 2007. McGrath was adjudged the Player of the Series of the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean. The talismanic pacer has registered 381 wickets from 250 ODI appearances at an economy of 3.88. Meanwhile, it was on this very day in 1993 that a tall and passionate McGrath first donned the ODI jersey for Australia.

Beginning in ODIs

McGrath made his ODI debut during the first Benson & Hedges World Series fixture against South Africa in Melbourne. Even though the home captain Allan Border won the toss and decided to bat first. His decision completely backfired as the Australians were bowled out for just 189 in 46 overs. Only opener Michael Slater showed resistance against the Proteas pace attack scoring 73. What was surprising here was that the Aussies completely lost the plot despite Slater and Mark Taylor (30) having laid a solid foundation of 105 runs for the opening wicket.

In reply, the Proteas lost the key wicket of opener Andrew Hudson for just four runs against his name. The visitors had nothing to rejoice at as skipper Wessels and Hansie Cronje added 140 runs for the second wicket stand. Kepler Wessels scored 70 whereas Cronje added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 91. South Africa got over the line by seven wickets in the penultimate over.

The future South African captain was adjudged the Player of the Match for his all-round performances. He had also contributed immensely with the ball in hand with figures of 2/42. As far as the debutant Glenn McGrath is concerned, he went wicketless in that match but created a good first impression. He conceded only 28 runs from his quota of 8.4 overs including a maiden at an outstanding economy rate of 3.23.

It was just a sign of things to come for the young man who would go on to establish himself as the all-time highest wicket-taker in 50-overs World Cup history, bagging 71 wickets from 39 outings.