Broad should model himself on McGrath: Botham

London, Nov.12 (ANI): England fast bowler Stuart Broad should model himself on former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath, feels former captain and fast bowler Ian Botham.

In an article for The Mirror, Botham says that the biggest career decision for Broad this winter will be to decide what type of bowler he wants to become.

"Never mind filling the void left by Freddie Flintoff as England's next great all-rounder. That will take care of itself in the long term if Broad's batting continues to progress. But with the ball, he is at the crossroads. Does he want to become an out-and-out quick who regularly hits 90mph, or a line-and-length merchant looking to hit the top of off-stump by maximising swing and movement off the seam? Asks Botham

"To me, it's a no-brainer. Look no further than Broad's Ashes winning spell at The Oval three months ago for the answer. Not only is Broad most dangerous when he bowls a disciplined line and a fuller length, as he did so memorably against the Aussies when the stakes were highest, but I believe he has the tools to become our version of Glenn McGrath," he adds..

"I don't want to put too much pressure on him, because McGrath was one of the all-time greats and had more than 500 Test wickets to prove it. But Broad is taller and quicker than McGrath, and - as we saw at The Oval - can bowl destructive, match-winning spells like our old Aussie nemesis," Botham says.

He also said that he expects England to give South Africa a run for their money this winter. (ANI)