Tendulkar not No 1 as McGrath names his top five batters; Fleming’s reaction to Laxman is gold

Glenn McGrath has just announced the top five batters he bowled to and interestingly, the list of best of the best batters includes two Indians, but Sachin Tendulkar is not the No 1. The battle between Tendulkar and McGrath during the peak of their careers, which was around the same time, was one of the best cricketing actions at the end of the 1990s and in the 2000s.

We all remember the 1999 Adelaide Test during which Tendulkar was given out Leg Before Wicket, which looked more like ‘Arm Before Wicket’ as McGrath hit Tendulkar’s arm while the batter was trying to dodge a short ball that didn’t really bounce much.

The dismissal led to a massive controversy as fans felt Daryl Harper was wrong in giving Sachin out. The Indian fans opined that even though the ball did not bounce enough, it would have missed the stumps.

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Nonetheless, their battles on the pitch are etched in the memories of all the fans who grew up watching the intense battle between the Australian bowling great and the batting maestro, often also called the ‘God’ of cricket.

McGrath reveals his top 5 batters

Tendulkar, however, finds a spot in only the second position in McGrath’s top five batters list. The former pacer revealed the list on The Fast Bowling Cartel podcast that also includes fast bowling greats Damien Fleming and Jason Gillespie.

At No 5 was former England batter Graham Thorpe. McGrath revealed that Thorpe averaged 52 against him and called him a “deceptive” and “unbelievable” player.

At 4 came the great South African AB de Villiers. While introducing him, McGrath said, “he is brilliant at everything he does. Bats. Bowls. Plays rugby. Apparently, he can ski. Probably good at Chess. He could play all around the wicket, to all parts of the ground.”

Laxman and Tendulkar in McGrath's list

The first Indian in the list was ranked at No 3. And it was VVS Laxman. The mention of Laxman’s name drew a big “oooo” from Fleming.

While praising Laxman, Gillespie said the Indian batter showcased “some of the best” batting he had ever seen. He was unstoppable.”

As mentioned earlier, Tendulkar was No 2 and West Indian legend Brian Lara was picked as No 1. McGrath said that while the late Shane Warne always picked Tendulkar, he preferred Lara.

McGrath added that he was able to change Sachin’s game with his bowling, but when Lara "was switched on, you knew you were in trouble.”