Its difficult to see McGrath being as a good a bowler at 37 (Ashes 2006/7 ) as he was at (say) 30 but he will still be world class. He doesn't rely on pace , just nagging accuracy anmd consistency. I think we can dismiss his performances post-Lords since he trod on a cricket ball, struggled with the injury, and then subsequently lost match fitness. McGrath is one of the all time greats. Even past his absolute best he will be a potential match winner........ as is Warne of course who can spin the ball till well into his forties if he wanted to.
BUT take these two away and the Australia bowling line up looks vulnerable. The final test bowling averages (Ashes 2005) make interesting reading. Bowlers such as Lee ( despite his admirable competitiveness) , and Tait are far more costly per wicket than the other two class acts.
England have FOUR bowlers, who still have years in the bag, and are all capable of tight and wicket taking bowling. None of them are in McGrath or Warne's class (yet) but it means England can keep the pressure on the opposition all through a match, not just when their two star turns are on.
Now, a very slow TURNING wicket might be a differnt scenario that undoes England ........... oh for a Jim Laker or Tony lock .....
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