McGain: I love watching Kumble bowl

He looks like the IT professional he was two years ago before changing trades. Bryce McGain decided to become a cricketer in 2005 and was soon a part of the Australian Test team. He made his debut against South Africa earlier this year in Cape Town.

He somehow does not fit into the Aussie band of cricketers. McGain is way too soft spoken and is almost a charmer. In fact, while talking to most of the Victorians, you get a feeling there is something different about them. Then why do they suddenly become so aggressive and daunting when they don the Baggy Green?

"Well, Victoria play a different brand of cricket from Australia. We love playing the game and play it to the best of our abilities."
McGain puts it to different personnel and a difference in attitude. He refuses to be drawn into the image the national team had earned: they sledged and bullied their way through and played hard, uncompromising cricket.

"Victoria are tough too but we don't sledge on the field."

At 37, McGain still has the passion and he loves talking about the game. Bespectacled and lanky, the Aussie leggie has an uncanny resemblance to Indian legend Anil Kumble. As suave and gentle, McGain unsurprisingly loves Kumble's bowling.

"I love watching Kumble bowl. He has been a true legend, hasn't he? The kind of consistency he has shown for India over the time he played was immense."

Shane Warne, of course, would have had a huge impact on him as well. What about that? "Oh yes, he passed on a lot of his experiences to me. Warnie has been a great help."

Have you selected your Super Selector team?

McGain, maybe new to cricket at his age, but he still has the youthful exuberance that many young spinners lack these days.

Why else would they be scared of flighting the ball and luring the batsmen the good old way?

"I don't know really. Maybe they are too concerned about bleeding runs and want to restrict rather than take wickets.

"It will be silly to put half your weapons away. Part of the deception is to throw the ball and let it turn."

With Victoria Bushrangers safely in the Super Eights, McGain may still have a huge role to play as the Airtel Champions League Twenty20 reaches a pinnacle.

Stay updated with all the on-field and off-field action from the world of cricket