McGrath set for return

Glenn McGrath © Getty Images

Recently-retired Australia paceman Glenn McGrath could give home fans a final farewell before he joins the new Indian Premier League with a one-off appearance in the KFC Twenty20.

New South Wales coach Matthew Mott hinted at McGrath’s possible return for his side during Australia’s national Twenty20 competition.

“There is a lot of rumour around…I hope so,” Mott said of the speculation.

The state caused controversy last season when they selected rugby league great Andrew Johns to play in two Twenty20 games, but Mott insists they are now taking the shorter format of the game more seriously.

“We've been down that track before. It was a valuable experiment but I think the emphasis on Twenty20 now is a lot more serious,” Mott said.

“The fact there's been a World Cup since then has added that little bit extra into the competition.”

Although the return of McGrath could be seen by some as another publicity stunt, the coach insists the 37-year-old would still be a genuine asset to the side.

“We will have to see what comes out in the wash but he'd certainly be welcomed with open arms,” Mott added

“I think he's the genuine article. A couple of months out of the game - he has come back from that before.

“He's got high standards and if he did play I'm sure he'd deliver. He's been a world class player.

McGrath would most likely make an appearance in the game against Queensland on January 8 as a prelude to his introduction into the IPL, which is scheduled to begin in April.