“I can identify (Glenn) McGrath as being my nemesis”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Legendary West Indies batsman Brian Lara has revealed that former Australia pace bowler Glenn McGrath was his main nemesis during his illustrious international career.

Lara’s comments come after he was dismissed by McGrath 15 times in 24 Tests.

“Yes, I can identify (Glenn) McGrath as being my nemesis,” Lara told the Sydney Morning Herald. “He got me out however many times.”

While Lara also conceded that the Baggy Greens were his favourite opponents, he refused to say which player he disliked the most.

“The Australian team was the team I enjoyed playing against the most,” he said. “It’s hard to pinpoint any one player. Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Steve Waugh, Ian Healy, Adam Gilchrist. None of them let up. I think I have a lot of respect for their teamwork. I was envious to see how they operated as a team and how they demolished teams I was involved with. It would be wrong to single out any player.”

Lara added that being sledged by the Australians did nothing but motivate him to perform better.

“That was always part of it,” he said. “I could allow you to speak to some of the Australians to see what they think, because it was something that spurred me on. I enjoyed it. I had a few confrontations that left the Australians thinking they should stay away. Go to (Ramnaresh) Sarwan or someone else.”