Glenn McGrath may be playing in his last one-day tournament, but on his showing at the ongoing World Cup he certainly still has at least a couple of years left in him.
Minnows Ireland got a taste of McGrath's disciplined line and length formula and came a cropper against the veteran pacer.
The 37-year-old took 3 for 17 in seven overs as Ireland were bowled out for a paltry 91.
Speedster Shaun Tait gave him good support, but was guilty of some wayward bowling while claiming 3 for 39 in his six overs.
McGrath started the rout as early as the first over of the match, when he got one to bounce back off the seam to bowl left-handed opener Jeremy Bray for 1.
Eoin Morgan became his second victim, when he edged to Matthew Hayden at second slip without scoring as Ireland were reduced to 12 for 4 in the fifth over.
Andrew White was caught at mid-on by Brad Hogg off McGrath two balls after being hit on the head with a bouncer as Ireland lost half their side with just 32 runs on the board.
Only John Mooney, with 23 not out, offered some resistance, as the Irish innings only lasted 30 overs.
McGrath's wicket tally in the tournament now stands at 18 in seven matches at an average of 13.05. And if the veteran pacer continues this top form, it would take something special to stopping Australia from completing a hat-trick of World Cup titles.
Photograph: Getty Images
Email this Page
The Cup: Complete coverage