Anand Vasu catches up with Lehmann, McGrath and Gillespie for a friendly chat
Anand Vasu14-Jul-2005The Australian cricket team prides itself at never taking a backward step. They’re always on the offensive – and with a week off between the second and third Tests, it was a charm offensive that caught Mumbai unawares. Fosters, the Australian beer company that seems to rear its amber head every time the men wearing green and gold hit India, carted Darren Lehmann, Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie from club to bar to pub. The fans were out in such large numbers that gates had to be closed in two bars, amidst young women screaming “Jasoooon! Jason!” Wisden Cricinfo was there, cool beer in hand, chatting up the jolly rovers:Jason GillespieOn the reception he gets in India
This is just awesome. I would not get anything like this in Australia – absolutely not. People love their cricket in Australia, but we just don’t have as many people! The population of the whole of Australia about the same as the population of Mumbai, so we just don’t get the same kind of reception there. People appreciate what you do and what not, but they tend to give you a bit of space.On Indian pitches
Indian wickets are fine. There’s a lot of talk about them being very batsmen-friendly and I suppose they are, to an extent, but therein lies the challenge. As a fast bowler, if you can succeed over here you have earned your stripes, so to speak. I know Glenn McGrath’s record here is better than his overall record. He doesn’t know what all the fuss is about and I echo what he says.On what you need to succeed in India, and whether the ball used makes a difference
As a fast bowler in India you have to know how to bowl with the new ball. Over here the new ball doesn’t stay new for very long, with the pitches and the outfields being as they are. To be able to succeed with the older, softer ball is immensely satisfying.Whatever cricket ball you have in your hand doesn’t matter. You still have to bowl with it and see what you can make it do. Everything else has got conformity, but the ICC tends to use different balls in different countries. But at the same time that is the enjoyment of bowling in different environments.On his stonewalling innings at Chennai
It’s certainly up there. We were on the back foot and I really set myself up for a long one. I had a very good net at the end of day three. I made sure I was watching the ball closely and hitting the ball really straight. Then I took it one ball at a time. I had no interest in scoring. My way of thinking was that I would score a couple of runs if I was in for two hours. I was fortunate enough to have an extremely good player at the other end in Damien Martyn. To last so long against two of the best spinners on their home turf was really satisfying. I don’t pretend I’m a batsman. I try to annoy the bowlers. I think I annoyed the hell out of Anil [Kumble] and Harbhajan [Singh].On the excitement of playing Test cricket in India
It’s a different excitement. I must say I immensely enjoy playing Test cricket. It’s a beautiful game in that there are so many twists and turns and it can change so easily. It’s great to see that the Indian people are embracing Test cricket. In the past the support was more for the one-dayers.On how this Gillespie is different from the one that first came to India as a replacement for Craig McDermott all those years ago
I’m years older and wiser. There’s an additional eight years of first-class cricket under the belt. When you do that, you get to know your game a lot better. That is important and makes you an asset to your team because you know exactly what to do to play a part.On Australia’s next tour here, in six years’ time
I’ll be very surprised if I’m here in six years. In 2010, I’ll be 35 – I’m not sure if I’ll still be playing. But that’s too far ahead to look for me.Darren LehmannOn what he liked most about India
The people. The place has progressed so much over the years. The people here are probably the friendliest of any place in the world. The first time I came here, it [the number of people] did surprise me. But now, once you get used to coming to India it’s different. People in India seem to know more about me than I do myself. That’s a fantastic attribute to have.On how touring India was different from, say touring England
England being more westernized makes a difference. We’re more used to their culture. The best thing about coming to India is that it’s so different from Australia that it’s almost like a holiday. Different people, their religion, what they do, how they respect themselves …On his comment that he might have to give way for Michael Clarke
It’s a fair comment. He’s a young player for the future. I’ve always been a person to promote youth. The guy could be anything as a cricketer. Obviously I want to keep playing as long as I can, but if he takes my spot that’s just part and parcel of cricket. Sometimes you got to get rid of the old guys to give the younger ones a chance, that’s the way it goes.On the manner in which he has batted on this tour so far
I played pretty well in Chennai. The hardest thing about India is that you have to just keep batting. It’s hard to score runs all the time. They bowled really well. We haven’t clicked as a batting group yet – we haven’t made a big, big total. I’m a bit different than other batters. I try to score quickly and get the game moving forward. I don’t worry about defence. The thing that people forget is that we’re about entertainment. Draws are no good to anyone.On getting over the death of David Hookes
I don’t think I will ever get over the death of David Hookes. He was obviously a great mate. But you sort of cope better with each passing day.Glenn McGrathOn the Nagpur pitch on which he is set to play his 100th Test
It’s probably not the best place for a fast bowler to play, but to play your hundredth Test will still be special. We had a three-day match in Nagpur last time but I didn’t play that one. But I have played a one-day match against Zimbabwe there. Looks like it will be a tough wicket, but I always enjoy bowling in India.On the conditions in Chennai
Each morning was very tough. Very humid. As the day got on, it got better as there was a bit of a breeze and it was quite pleasant in the afternoon.On what is needed to succeed in India as a fast bowler
You go from past experiences. I have been here six or seven times. You just try to put the ball in the right areas. The new ball will always carry through so you try to make the most of that and get early wickets. And as the Test goes on, you look for reverse swing.On how he looks unhappy even when he’s taking wickets
I’m reasonably happy when I’m taking wickets but I set myself high standards. I try not to bowl bad balls and if one gets through, I’m very disappointed.