Oh McGrath was an absolute beast and ranks right alongside Curtly as the player I feared most when England were batting. Absolute *******.
But there is no way Warne can be left out of any composite England/Australia side. You mention 2005 - I'm still not sure how we managed to nick that win at Trent Bridge once he started rattling through our top order. Real edge-of-the seat stuff. Plus he could hold a bat pretty well.
I only ever felt safe if both of that pair were well away from the action. And even if he wasn't bowling, Warne would snaffle a few in the slips.
Not sure Ryan Harris would quite get in my XI but I like the shout. Could have been a bit different in 2015 if he had been available.
Australia would have won (or at least drawn to retain it) had he been fit. No question about it. England don't score 400 in 100 overs of the first innings twice that series if he's playing. Part of Australia's problem that series was the lack of control. Starc, Johnson and Hazlewood were all going at nearly 4 an over that series. Harris would have given them control and wickets.
Post WWII Australia v England wickets bowling averages (min 50 wickets)
???? 56 at 17.00
Harris 57 at 20.63
McGrath 157 at 20.92
Lillee 167 at 21.00
Alderman 100 at 21.17
Miller 87 at 22.40
Lindwall 114 at 22.44
Warne 195 at 23.25
Davidson 84 at 23.76
Thomson 100 at 24.18
Johnston 75 at 24.24
Johnson 87 at 25.81
McDermott 84 at 26.30
It's a who's who of Australian bowling.
Any guesses (without looking) at who tops that list?