Glenn McGrath
Line and Strength : the Complete Story
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Description
Glenn McGrath is one of the most highly regarded fast-medium pace bowlers in cricketing history, and a leading contributor to Australia's domination of world cricket from the mid-1990s to 2007. He holds the world record for the highest number of Test wickets by a fast bowler. He announced his retirement and his Test career came to an end after the 5th Ashes test in Sydney, whilst the 2007 World Cup marked the end of his one-day career. McGrath was named One Day International Player of the Year and Wisden Cricketer of the Year on more than one occasion. He grew up in Narromine where his local captain thought so little of his bowling ability that he refused to give him a bowl. His potential was spotted by Doug Walters and he moved to Sydney, famously skinny and living in a caravan. McGrath capped his rapid rise in the next Australian summer with selection in the national side after playing only eight State matches. He relied on unerring accuracy in his bowling and the ability to make the ball seem a little off the pitch. In 2004, at the age of 34, McGrath took eight wickets for 24 runs against Pakistan in Perth, his best Test bowling figures and second-best ever by an Australian. In 2004 he became the first Australian fast bowler to play 100 Tests. In the first innings of the ICC Super Series Test match in 2005, McGrath passed Courtney Walsh to become the greatest wicket taker among fast bowlers in Test history]. Glenn McGrath's behaviour off the field is as admirable as on. His wife Jane has successfully fought a battle with breast and bone cancer. Jane and Glenn have raised substantial funds to provide cancer nurses around NSW and use their high profile to raise money for breast cancer charities. This is the tell-all story of an Australian country-boy who took on the world, and cancer, and won.
AI Overview
Title: "Line and Strength: The Complete Story" by Glenn McGrath and Daniel Lane
Overview: "Line and Strength: The Complete Story" is a biographical book written by Glenn McGrath, one of the most successful fast bowlers in cricket history, and co-authored by Daniel Lane. The book chronicles McGrath's life from his early days working on the land in Narromine to his illustrious cricket career, including winning the World Cup three times.
Key Themes:
- Cricket Career: The book extensively covers McGrath's cricket career, highlighting his impressive 560 wickets in 123 Test matches, which is a testament to his skill and dedication[2].
- Personal Life: The narrative delves into McGrath's personal life, including his relationship with his girlfriend Jane, who was diagnosed with cancer in 1997. The book explores the emotional journey of their relationship and the impact of her illness on McGrath[5].
- Family and Relationships: The book also touches on McGrath's family dynamics, such as his father's struggles to accept his son's career choice and the humorous moments of his children adjusting to his post-retirement household rules[5].
Plot Summary:
The book is structured to provide a comprehensive look at McGrath's life. It begins with his early days on the farm in Narromine, where he developed his passion for cricket. The narrative then follows his journey through the Australian cricket team, detailing his rise to fame and the challenges he faced both on and off the field. The book also includes interviews with key figures from his life, such as his father, Kevin, and former teammates like Steve Waugh.
Critical Reception:
Positive Aspects:
- Diligence and Interview Quality: The book is praised for its diligence in gathering information and conducting interviews, which provide valuable insights into McGrath's life and career[5].
- Outstanding Moments: Despite some criticisms, the book has outstanding moments that showcase the depth of McGrath's story and the contributions of his co-author, Daniel Lane[5].
Criticisms:
- Overwrought Tone: Some critics argue that the book's tone can be overwrought, particularly when dealing with emotional topics like Jane's cancer. This can make the narrative feel overly dramatic at times[5].
- Co-Authorship: A few reviewers have noted that they would have preferred McGrath to write the book himself rather than have it co-authored by Daniel Lane, who is described as an amanuensis with a sportswriters' style[4].
Conclusion:
"Line and Strength: The Complete Story" offers a detailed and engaging look at Glenn McGrath's life, both on and off the cricket field. While it has its criticisms regarding tone and co-authorship, the book is widely regarded for its diligence in storytelling and its ability to capture the essence of McGrath's remarkable journey.