Player Comparisons: Shaun Pollock vs Glenn McGrath

No two bowlers demonstrated the importance of line and length in a better manner than Shaun Pollock and Glenn McGrath.

These two bowlers tormented the batsmen across the world through their probing lines and tremendous consistency.

The tall pace bowler from Australia, McGrath is arguably one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the game. His legend was formed on his ability to camp outside the off-stump for eternity and his impeccable length.

The story of Shaun Pollock is no different from the Australian pacer. Pollock too had the extraordinary ability of bowling in the same corridor for several overs and had the patience to wait for the batsmen to blink his eye first.

The results of their impeccable accuracy and temperament are easily visible in their stats. Both pacers enjoyed roaring success and they were the most feared bowlers in international cricket during their peak times.

But who was the better among the two? Here we compare these two legendary bowlers with assistance from statistics. Let us delve into the world of numbers and find out who was more lethal.

#5 Overall Statistics

McGrath is the highest wicket taker in Tests in the pace department

Pollock and McGrath overall career stats

Courtesy their tremendous form and fitness, Pollock and McGrath played more than 100 Tests each which is an achievement in itself.

Between the two, McGrath featured in more Tests and had better statistics. His average and strike rate is better than the South African pacer while his tally of 563 Test wickets makes him the highest wicket taker in Tests in the pace department.

Pollock's tally of 421 wickets in 108 Tests is also an impressive feat and he has more ODI wickets than the Australian pacer.

But McGrath is the winner in this segment due to his better strike rate and average.

#4 Performances in Away Matches

Glenn McGrath had 23 more away innings - but 74 more wickets than Pollock

Pollock and McGrath are regarded as great bowlers due to their high-quality skills that allowed them to pick wickets on any surface.

For these two pacers, the venue never mattered. They would simply run in, pitch the ball in the right areas and would end up wrecking batting line-ups.

These tables are indicative of their bowling prowess.

Pollock and McGrath ODI stats: Home and Away

Pollock and McGrath Test stats: Home and Away

Both bowlers witnessed an increase in their bowling averages and strike rates in away ODI's but interestingly McGrath had a better numbers in Tests.

In Tests, he bowled in 23 more innings than Pollock, but had a difference of 74 wickets.

Once again, stats prove McGrath as the better among the two.

#3 Contribution in victories

Pollock was responsible for several of South Africa's victories

In cricket, batsmen steal all the limelight but the bowlers do the dirty job. They bowl over after over without getting tired, and perform the tedious task of restricting the batsmen.

Pollock and McGrath were champions in these tasks and on several occasions were responsible for steering their team home.

Pollock and McGrath: Performances in winning games

The most staggering aspect of this table is the bowling average. In winning games, both bowlers have registered an average of below 20 in both formats which is an exceptional achievement.

McGrath was an essential cog of the mighty Australian team that ruled the cricket world during the first decade of 21st century. Hence, he has featured in more winning games.

However, Pollock has the better record than the Australian pacer in Tests and hence in this facet, the South African is ahead.

#2 Performances in sub-continent

McGrath was ably aided by spinning subcontinent wickets

Sub-continent pitches are generally flat and offer plenty of support to batsmen. On the fourth and the fifth day of play, these pitches turn a lot and hence are ideal for spinners.

However, there is little help for the pace bowlers on these pitches. The conditions have little impact on the swing. And except for the first hour, there is no assistance for the pacers. Hence, sub-continent pitches are considered to the toughest test for pacers.

Pollock and McGrath: Performances in Asia

McGrath has a better strike rate than the South African pacer in ODI's played in Asia but his economy is on the higher side.

But both bowlers have almost identical numbers in Tests and also have registered similar averages.

Hence, they both are on the same page in this segment.

#1 Comparison with other peers

Glenn McGrath's teammate Shane Warne is the highest wicket taker in the world

During his Test career, Pollock was the most successful bowler from South Africa. In international cricket, four bowlers picked more wickets than him in Tests during his era.

Muralitharan (645 wickets), Warne (521), McGrath (516), and Kumble (495) had more Test wickets than Pollock.

In McGrath's case, in Tests, his team-mate Shane Warne (643) was the highest wicket taker in the world, followed by Muralitharan (638). The Australian pacer is ranked third in the list and was the highest wicket taker among pacers.

During his era, McGrath was the best pacer in the world although Pollock wasn't far behind. Hence the Australian pacer is the winner in this category.

Final Verdict

McGrath: A Champion bowler

Pollock and McGrath both are legendary bowlers and their numbers only confirm their greatness.

After looking at their careers in five different statistical categories, it is clear that McGrath is the better among the two.

He has more wickets than the South African pacer, and his records in winnings matches is impressive than Pollock.