McGrath's memory test

Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath today staked his claim to be one of cricket's most obsessive wicket-takers.

The 31-year-old claimed he could immediately recall the details of all his 326 Test wickets including the name of the batsmen, ground and type of delivery.

McGrath, who is always keen to talk about his record of bowling out England opener Michael Atherton 13 times in Test matches, said he does not even keep notes.

He is known as an aggressively competitive bowler who is among the best in the world and still wants to beat the feats of fellow fast bowlers Dennis Lillee, the former Australian record holder who took 355 Test wickets in his career, and Courtney Walsh, who has an impressive 519.

McGrath, who should make an impact in the day-night match against Northants this evening, said: "I am not too good on certain statistics because my motivation is solely on wickets.

"But if you gave me a number from one to 326 I could tell you who it was I got out, where and how I got them out. I can sort of picture it.

"I try to work on getting five wickets a Test and the next major goal for me is to get 350 wickets, then Lillee's record of 355 and then 400.

"My best bowling figures in a Test innings are 8-38 (against England at Lord's in 1997). That is probably hard to beat but maybe I am saving up nine for this Ashes series."