Time for McGrath to retire on top: McDermott

Sydney, Nov 22 (UNI) Glenn McGrath might be keen to further his cricketing career but former Aussie spearhead Craig McDermott feels the Ashes series beginning tomorrow would be an opportunity to end his illustrious career on a high note.

''I really hope McGrath does fantastically well in this series,'' McDermott, himself an 84 Ashes-wicket veteran, was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

''It might be his last series for Australia. He's a great warhorse and I hope he gets a truckload of wickets,'' he added.

Thirty six-year-old McGrath has not played a Test for past 11 months but categorically denied suggestions thats he could retire soon.

A realtor after retirement McDermott, 41, took 291 wickets in all in his 71 Test appearences.

An enthusiastic cricket fan and a keen observer at England's net session yesterday, he feels that England spinner Monty Panesar could spring up a surprise or two in the series.

''I haven't seen any of these (English) cricketers up close before because I've stayed away from cricket for quite a while,'' he said but added, '' the bowlers look in pretty good nick.'' ''I've seen him (Panesar) bowl on a couple of occasions on TV and he has the tools to produce the goods out here,'' he said.

He expected the series to be a close affair.

''England have got some good fast bowlers and the batsmen can certainly look after themselves,'' McDermott observed.

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