The television and radio commentators waxed lyrical about McGrath’s batting record, pointing out that he vied for the record number of ducks in Test history, or perhaps noting that Steve Waugh had once said a pair of old stockings had more runs in them than McGrath. There was also the story of the time Waugh – who was within reach of becoming just the seventh Australian to score 200 against the West Indies – had consoled himself, at the sight of McGrath taking guard, that 197 not out in the Caribbean would be something to tell his grandkids.
