McCullum compares current Proteas pace battery to McGrath-led legendary Oz attack

Wellington: New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has compared South Africa’s current new-ball attack to the all-conquering Australian attack of a decade ago, which was led by legendary Glenn McGrath.

In the wake of his team`s innings and 27 runs defeat in the first Test, McCullum said Proteas pace bowlers Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel provided a challenge like no other in the modern game, Stuff.co.nz reports. Man of the match Philander took 5-7 as the Black Caps were skittled for 45 while Steyn led the way in New Zealand`s second innings of 275, finishing with 3-67. Steyn is ranked first in the ICC Test bowler rankings, Philander second and the lanky Morkel eighth. McCullum, who made his New Zealand debut almost exactly 10 years ago against an Australian one-day attack featuring Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee, said the respective lineups warranted comparison. McCullum said the Australian attack, a decade ago, was very relentless and number one for a reason, adding the current Proteas pace attack is similar to them. ANI