Champion Australian pace man Glenn McGrath has hit back at critics who believe he is behind the eight ball in his preparation for this summer's Ashes series.
McGrath, on the comeback trail after taking a seven-and-a-half-month sabbatical to support his wife Jane during her battle with cancer, declared he was on track to play a major part in this summer's series.
The veteran paceman, who has taken more Test wickets than any other fast bowler in the history of the game, has come under fire recently with former stars Jeff Thomson, Ian Chappell and Geoff Lawson voicing their concerns over McGrath's one-day form.
McGrath has taken four wickets in six one-day matches at an average of 37.25 since returning to the international scene in September, however he boasts an outstanding economy rate of 3.47 runs per over.
Thomson even doubted whether McGrath would be able to see out the summer, believing that selectors should look to the next generation should the 36-year-old fail to recapture his best early in the summer.
"They have to give him a few Tests but the first Test in Brisbane will be very important. If you can't do well in Brisbane it's hard imagining him scaring them at any other venue because he does not bowl quick," Thompson told The Daily Telegraph.
"I think there's better young blokes that deserve to be given a go, too."
McGrath dismissed his critics, however, and vowed to be on target for the first Test in less than a month's time.
"I'm on track for the Ashes," he said. "I am improving every game and every spell and I am happy with the way I am going."
"Other people can say what they like. People have got to remember it is not easy for a fast bowler in India."
