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Yesterday, I used the Hawk-Eye data to show why Steve Waugh is one of the best batsmen in the world, so today will concentrate on the bowlers and in particular Glenn McGrath.

Although McGrath's average speed is only just over 80mph, the Hawk-Eye data shows very clearly the impressive strengths of McGrath - accuracy and consistency.

Over 90% of the balls McGrath bowled were in the "red" region, considered a good length, and a much higher percentage of balls from McGrath either would have hit the stumps or passed directly over them. This gives the batsman no let up making him play at every ball.

These features are in stark contrast to Brett Lee's, who's Hawk-Eye analysis looks like a random scatter gun of variable line and length.

Hawk-Eye also clearly demonstrates McGrath's tactics to Mike Atherton, who has struggled against the Australian throughout most of his career.

McGrath's consistency of bowling on and just outside off stump has too often forced Atherton into playing at a ball he shouldn't, and his second innings dismissal was another example of this.

In the 2nd innings McGrath didn't bowl a single ball to Atherton which would have hit the stumps, but he got him for the 14th time in Tests all the same.

8 Jul, 2001