India Must Get Back to Basics, Things are Pretty Bad: Glenn McGrath Tells NDTV

India must get back to basics if they have to resurrect their Test cricket, feels former Aussie pace legend Glenn McGrath. Talking to NDTV on Monday, McGrath said India's 3-1 defeat to England after winning the Lord's Test was a surprising turn of events. (India defeat greeted with furious headlines)

McGrath blamed India's poor fielding for the defeat. "Indian team's fielding was diabolical. The bowlers did okay and they created opportunities. But when you drop catches, it is frustrating," said the Pigeon, who is the head of the MRF Pace Academy in Chennai. (India fined for maintaining low over rate at the Oval)

"Things are pretty bad and India must get back to the basics. They will be touring Australia and there is not much time fix the problems," said McGrath. (India in England: Former cricketers want Duncan Fletcher sacked)

Indian batsmen looked at discomfort on seaming English wickets and Australia are likely to produce similar tracks. "Australia have come a long way. They have won the Ashes and they will be waiting for India," McGrath warned, adding: "It will be really tough for India in Australia." (Coping with England rout a challenge: Dhoni)

India lost back-to-back Test matches at Old Trafford (Manchester) and the Oval inside three days. Are the Indians suffering due to an overkill of limited overs cricket? (Did not expect such an emphatic win: Cook)

"Test cricket is the ultimate challenge. It's a lot of hard work and how you play the game over five days needs a lot of skill and fitness. I will imagine that Indians want to play Test cricket," McGrath said.  

McGrath said he was happy to see Varun Aaron make a mark in England. "Very happy to see Varun get an opportunity," McGrath said, adding: "Fast bowling is all about creating pressure and building bowling partnerships. You can't get a wicket every over. Three maiden overs can build pressure."

"India have a lot of work to do", said McGrath. They surely do.