McGrath targets 2009 Ashes

Despite the fact he will be nearly 40, Glenn McGrath still hopes to play in the 2009 Ashes.

McGrath is currently 36, and will return to international cricket with next month’s tri-series in Malaysia. He has not played since January due to his wife Jane’s illness.

The world’s most prolific fast bowler said: “I know a lot of guys who have got a lot fitter and stronger when they are 40 than when they were 25. Mentally you’re a lot stronger, As long as the body holds together then to me you’ve got to be a better cricketer, and the body’s feeling great, I’m training hard and everything is going well. As long as the desire and the hunger are still there I’ll play as long as I can.”

He is currently on 542 Test wickets, and has said he wants to finish with at least 600. McGrath missed two of last summer’s Ashes Tests, which proved crucial as England won both to take the series 2-1.