Glenn McGrath AO is one of Australia’s most celebrated cricketers and a global icon in the world of sport.

Renowned for his pinpoint accuracy, relentless work ethic, and ability to outthink the best batsmen, McGrath revolutionised fast bowling and is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history. 

Cricketing Achievements

Over a remarkable 14-year international career (1993–2007), McGrath took 563 wickets in Test cricket, making him the most successful fast bowler in Test match history at the time of his retirement. His contribution to Australian cricket played a pivotal role in the country’s dominance in both Test and One-Day International formats during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

•  Test Wickets: 563 wickets in 124 matches

• ODI Wickets: 381 wickets in 250 matches

• Three-time World Cup Champion: McGrath was instrumental in Australia’s victories in the ICC Cricket World Cups in 1999, 2003, and 2007. His 7/15 in the 2003 World Cup remains one of the finest bowling performances in the tournament’s history. He received Player of the Tournament in the 2007 World Cup, his final tournament/series for Australia.

• Most Wickets in World Cup History: He holds the record for the most wickets in World Cup tournaments with 71 wickets.

• Ashes Hero: His contributions to Ashes series, cemented his place as a legend of the game.

  His relentless performances in critical matches made him a feared competitor and earned him accolades from players and fans worldwide.

Public Speaker

Glenn McGrath has also established himself as a respected and sought-after public speaker. Drawing on his extensive experiences in professional sport, overcoming personal adversity, and his work in philanthropy, McGrath delivers compelling keynote speeches around the world. His presentations often focus on the values of resilience, teamwork, leadership, and dealing with pressure—paralleling his career as an elite cricketer with lessons that apply to the business world and beyond. Whether addressing corporate audiences, sports teams, or charity events, McGrath’s authentic and inspiring style leaves a lasting impact.

Recent Appearances:

• Commsec

• The Professionals Real Estate

• Australian Property Institute

• Mastercard

• Apollo Auctions

• Australian Grain Industry Conference

• Unilever - Metcash Expo

• Mates in Construction

• Infor Global Solutions

Personal Life and Honours

Glenn McGrath is married to Sara Leonardi McGrath, an entrepreneur and creative, born in the United States to Italian parents. Together, they have created a successful blended family, built on mutual respect, love, and a strong commitment to family values. Glenn is a devoted father to his three children: James, Holly, and Madison, and he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a supportive and close-knit family.

Sara has played a significant role in fostering this unity, and both James and Holly have expressed their appreciation for her in interviews, describing her as a loving and nurturing presence in their lives. In a candid interview with ABC, James and Holly shared how Sara has helped bring the family closer together, highlighting her efforts in ensuring everyone feels included and valued. This mutual respect and warmth have been key in building a positive and cohesive family dynamic.

Fitness and Hobbies

Even after his cricketing career, Glenn McGrath remains deeply committed to maintaining his physical fitness.

Glenn McGrath is a fitness enthusiast who exercises daily, focusing on gym workouts. He has participated in numerous running festivals, completing two half marathons and the New York Marathon in 2017

 More recently, Glenn has added triathlons to his fitness regimen, participating in the Noosa Triathlon, a prestigious multi-sport event in Australia. His passion for staying fit mirrors the discipline and perseverance that defined his cricketing career, showing his commitment to pushing his limits and taking on new challenges.

Alongside his wife, Sara, he is an ambassador for Noosa Springs Golf Course, as both enjoy golf.

Beyond sports, Glenn is also a passionate helicopter pilot, combining his love for adventure with a strong interest in aviation. His helicopter license allows him to explore the Australian outback and beyond, fulfilling his passion for flying and adventure.

Honours and Recognition 

In recognition of his remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport, Glenn McGrath has been honoured with numerous accolades and distinctions throughout his career.

• Lifetime Achievement Award winner for The CEO Magazine's Executive of the Year Awards for his work championing breast cancer awareness in his role as president of the McGrath Foundation.

• Appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service to community health through breast cancer support, and to cricket as an international coach.

• Statue in Narromine: In Glenn’s hometown of Narromine, New South Wales, a statue was erected in his honour, celebrating his contributions to Australian cricket and his connection to the local community. The statue stands as a symbol of his legacy, inspiring future generations in the region.

• Madame Tussauds: Glenn McGrath’s impact has also been immortalised with a life-size wax figure at Madame Tussauds in Sydney. This tribute places him among a select group of sporting legends who have made a lasting impression on Australian and international audiences.

  Hall of Fame Inductions

• ICC Cricket Hall of Fame: McGrath was inducted into the prestigious International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame in 2013, solidifying his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

• Australian Cricket Hall of Fame: In 2014, McGrath was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, an honour that celebrates his exceptional contributions to the national team and the sport of cricket in Australia.

• Sport Australia Hall of Fame: In 2011, McGrath was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, further acknowledging his incredible achievements, leadership, and influence as an Australian sporting icon.

• NSW Australian of the Year: McGrath was named NSW Australian of the Year in 2008

• NSW Champions of Sport: The Waratah Award 2019. Was the awards 3rd recipient

• Inducted as a life member of the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2023

• Joint Recipient (with Shane Warne) of the 2007 Don Award from Sports Australia Hall of Fame

• AB Medal: McGrath was the Inaugural recipient of the AB Medal in 2000.

• Laureus World Sports Awards: McGrath was a member of the Australian Cricket Team when in 2003 was awarded Laureus World Sporting Team of the Year.

These honours reflect not only McGrath’s extraordinary cricketing career but also his ongoing impact through philanthropy, mentoring, and public speaking. Glenn McGrath’s legacy is firmly cemented as one of the most iconic figures in Australian and global sports history.

 Whether on the field or off it, Glenn McGrath continues to inspire with his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to causes close to his heart. He remains a global ambassador for the game of cricket, Australian charities, and a symbol of resilience and excellence.