Glenn McGrath followed Sir Richard Hadlee in becoming the second visiting bowler to take a ‘five-for’ on three consecutive Test appearances at Lord’s.
When you consider that he only played three Test Matches at the Home of Cricket, the achievement becomes even more impressive. He got off to a flyer in 1997, ripping out England’s first three batsmen to leave them teetering at 13 for 3 and destroying the momentum the hosts had built up with a shock victory at Edgbaston. England were bowled out for just 77, McGrath claiming 8 for 38. In 2001 he claimed 5 for 54 in the first innings and 3 for 60 in the second.
In 2005 it was 1997 all over again only this time it was the top four he tore through as England struggled to 19 for 4. They recovered, somewhat, to make 155 with McGrath taking 5 for 53. It was a huge let down for England; so full of hope after bowling the Australians out for 191 and feeling that at last they had a side capable of challenging the old enemy for the first time in almost 20 years. Now McGrath had destroyed English hopes yet again, it would be the same old story. Figures of 4 for 29 followed in the second innings to seal England’s fate. He claimed his 500th Test wicket (Marcus Trescothick) with his 19th ball of the match, after which he changed into a pair of gold-trimmed boots. Some might think that a little showy, but he was kind enough to lend the boots to the MCC Museum after the tour.