McGrath to rejoin Aussies in Caribbean

SYDNEY: Fast bowler Glenn McGrath is hoping to rejoin the Australian Cricket team on their tour of West Indies while his wife Jane undergoes treatment for cancer, the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) announced yesterday.

The ACB said in a statement that McGrath would return to the Caribbean for the final two Tests but only if his wife’s initial treatment goes well. “Subject to Jane McGrath’s reaction to cancer treatment in the coming weeks, the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed today that fast bowler Glenn McGrath will resume his place on the tour of the West Indies later this month,” the statement said.

McGrath quit the tour last week and flew home to comfort his wife after she was diagnosed with a secondary cancer infection in her hip. Jane previously made a successful recovery from breast cancer. McGrath’s decision to go back came after a specialist said her condition was not as bad as feared. She will still undergo radiation therapy but is expected to make a full recovery. The ACB said McGrath would most likely return ahead of Australia’s tour match against the University of West Indies in Barbados on April 26. He would miss the first two Tests of the four-match series but would be available for the Third Test, staring on May 1 in Bridgetown, Barbados.