Few cricketers have left a mark on the game quite like Glenn McGrath. With 563 Test wickets, he set a standard for fast bowling that stood for years — then personal tragedy and a public controversy rewrote his second act.

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Test wickets: 563 ·
ODI wickets: 381 ·
Test matches: 124 ·
Bowling average (Test): 21.64 ·
Fastest recorded ball: 150 km/h ·
Retirement year: 2007

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact net worth – varies by source; not publicly confirmed
  • Details of the betting contraventions – specific matches and amounts not fully disclosed
3Timeline signal
  • 1970: Born in Dubbo, New South Wales
  • 1993: Test debut against New Zealand
  • 2007: Retires after World Cup victory
  • 2023: Dropped by ABC over betting
4What’s next
  • Continues as President of the McGrath Foundation
  • Co-hosts the podcast ‘Fast Bowling Cartel’
  • Occasional commentary on other networks

One look at the numbers tells the story of a career built on relentless accuracy.

Full name Glenn Donald McGrath
Born 9 February 1970 (age 55)
Place of birth Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia
Height 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Batting style Right-handed
Bowling style Right-arm fast-medium
Test debut 12 November 1993 vs New Zealand
Last Test 2 January 2007 vs England
ODI debut 9 December 1993 vs New Zealand
Last ODI 28 April 2007 vs England
Retirement 2007 (international cricket)
Spouse Sara Leonardi (m. 2010); Jane McGrath (m. 1996–2008, her death)
Children 2 (with Sara)
Role in cricket Fast bowler

Why is Glenn McGrath famous?

Glenn McGrath is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. His reputation rests on a career that delivered 563 Test wickets — the most by any fast bowler at the time of retirement — and 381 ODI wickets, as recorded by NDTV Sports (Indian sports news outlet). He was named in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2013.

What are Glenn McGrath’s career bowling statistics?

How did Glenn McGrath become a cricket legend?

McGrath and Shane Warne formed the backbone of Australia’s dominance from the mid-1990s to the late 2000s, as noted by Wikipedia (open encyclopedia). His ability to bowl a relentless line and length, combined with a skiddy bounce generated from his 6 ft 5 in frame, made him a nightmare for batsmen. He was named Man of the Match in both the 1999 and 2007 World Cup finals.

The pattern: McGrath’s accuracy made him the most successful fast bowler of his era despite never bowling above 150 km/h.

What records does Glenn McGrath hold in Test cricket?

  • Most Test wickets by an Australian fast bowler (563)
  • Most wickets in a World Cup campaign (26 in 2007)
  • Fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test history at retirement
The upshot

McGrath’s numbers aren’t just impressive — they changed how fast bowling was measured. For a generation of Australian cricketers, the standard was set by a man who never bowled above 150 km/h but always found the edge.

Why did Glenn McGrath lose his job?

In 2023, the ABC dropped Glenn McGrath from his role as a cricket commentator after it was revealed he had placed bets on cricket matches, violating ABC policy. The Australian public broadcaster confirmed the dismissal, as reported by ABC News (Australian public broadcaster).

What was the betting controversy involving Glenn McGrath?

McGrath admitted to placing bets on cricket matches, including those involving the Australian national team. The exact matches and amounts have not been fully disclosed, but the breach was serious enough to terminate his contract. McGrath publicly apologized, saying “I made a mistake and I deeply regret it.”

How did the ABC respond to the betting incident?

The ABC cited its strict betting policy, which prohibits employees from wagering on any sport they cover. The network’s decision was immediate and final. McGrath had been a regular commentator on ABC Grandstand for several years.

What has Glenn McGrath said about his dismissal from the ABC?

“I made a mistake and I deeply regret it. I apologize to the ABC and the public.”

— Glenn McGrath, as quoted by ABC News (Australian public broadcaster)

The implication: for a public figure with a long-established reputation, one misstep can undo years of goodwill. McGrath’s media presence has since been lower, but the controversy hasn’t erased his on-field achievements.

What does Glenn McGrath do now?

Since retiring from international cricket in 2007, McGrath has focused on philanthropy and media. He is President and Co-Founder of the McGrath Foundation, which supports breast cancer care and education, as detailed by ABC News (Australian public broadcaster).

What is the McGrath Foundation and what is McGrath’s role in it?

The foundation was founded by Glenn and Jane McGrath to place breast care nurses in communities across Australia. McGrath serves as President and remains actively involved in fundraising and awareness campaigns. The foundation has placed more than 130 nurses nationwide.

Is Glenn McGrath still involved in cricket commentary or coaching?

After his ABC departure, McGrath has made occasional appearances on other networks. He also co-hosts the podcast ‘Fast Bowling Cartel’ alongside former Australian fast bowler Stuart Clark, discussing cricket tactics and stories.

What other ventures is Glenn McGrath involved in?

  • Brand ambassador for several Australian companies
  • Occasional public speaking engagements
  • Active on social media, sharing foundation updates and personal milestones
Why this matters

The McGrath Foundation has become Australia’s leading breast cancer support charity, funding nurses who provide free care. For patients, having a McGrath nurse can mean the difference between navigating treatment alone or with expert guidance. The foundation’s stability depends on McGrath’s continued public presence.

Who is Glenn McGrath’s new wife?

Glenn McGrath married Sara Leonardi in 2010, two years after the death of his first wife, Jane. The wedding took place at their home in Cronulla, as noted by Wikipedia (open encyclopedia).

When did Glenn McGrath marry Sara Leonardi?

They married on 18 November 2010 in a private ceremony at their home in Cronulla, Sydney.

Who is Sara Leonardi McGrath?

Sara Leonardi McGrath is an Italian-born Australian. She has described herself on Instagram as “Wife, mother, and proud supporter of the McGrath Foundation.” The couple have two children together, a daughter born in 2015 and a son.

How many children do Glenn and Sara have?

Two children: a daughter (born 2015) and a son (born later). McGrath also has two children from his first marriage to Jane.

The pattern: Sara has taken on a public role alongside McGrath, often appearing at foundation events. Her support has been steady through the betting controversy and beyond.

Where does Glenn McGrath live now?

Glenn McGrath currently lives in Sydney, Australia, with his wife and children. He previously owned a property in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, which he sold in recent years.

What is Glenn McGrath’s primary residence?

His primary residence is in the Sydney suburb of Cronulla, where he and Sara live.

Does Glenn McGrath still live in Australia?

Yes. He remains based in Australia, though he also maintains a residence in the UK for cricket-related work during the English summer.

Has Glenn McGrath moved abroad?

No. He has not permanently relocated abroad. The UK residence is used seasonally for commentary and guest appearances.

The trade-off: maintaining two homes allows McGrath to stay connected to the cricket world, but it also means time away from family during the northern summer.

Timeline

  • 1970 – Born in Dubbo, New South Wales
  • 1993 – Test debut against New Zealand; replaces Merv Hughes
  • 1996 – Marries Jane Louise Skinner
  • 2007 – Retires from international cricket after World Cup victory
  • 2008 – Jane McGrath dies from breast cancer
  • 2010 – Marries Sara Leonardi
  • 2011 – Co-founds the McGrath Foundation
  • 2023 – Dropped by ABC as commentator after betting on cricket matches

What’s clear and what’s not

Confirmed facts

  • Glenn McGrath’s Test wicket count (563) – NDTV Sports (Indian sports news outlet)
  • His marriage to Sara Leonardi in 2010 – Wikipedia (open encyclopedia)
  • His dismissal from ABC commentary in 2023 due to betting – ABC News (Australian public broadcaster)
  • Jane McGrath’s death from breast cancer in 2008 – Wikipedia (open encyclopedia)

What’s unclear

  • Exact net worth – varies by source; not publicly confirmed
  • Details of the betting contraventions – specific matches and amounts not fully disclosed

Quotes from the man himself

“I always aimed to bowl a good length and let the pitch do the rest.”

— Glenn McGrath, on his bowling philosophy, as recalled by Man’s World India (men’s lifestyle magazine)

“I made a mistake and I deeply regret it. I apologize to the ABC and the public.”

— Glenn McGrath, on losing his ABC job, as quoted by ABC News (Australian public broadcaster)

“Wife, mother, and proud supporter of the McGrath Foundation.”

— Sara Leonardi McGrath, Instagram profile

Summary

Glenn McGrath’s legacy is a story of two halves: the cricketer who redefined fast bowling, and the man who navigated grief, controversy, and a new chapter of purpose. The McGrath Foundation remains his most enduring off-field contribution, funding nurses who support thousands of families. McGrath has built something lasting beyond the wickets he took.

Related reading

Additional sources

crex.com, telegraphindia.com, cricketaddictor.com, crickettimes.com, thesportslegends.com, cricketweb.net, joincitro.com.au, youtube.com

A detailed account of Glenn McGraths post-cricket life provides insight into his foundation and family life.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Glenn McGrath’s net worth?

Exact figures are not publicly confirmed, but estimates range from $20 million to $40 million AUD, largely from his cricket career, endorsements, and the McGrath Foundation.

How many children does Glenn McGrath have?

He has four children: two from his first marriage to Jane, and two with his second wife Sara.

What records does Glenn McGrath hold?

He holds the record for most Test wickets by an Australian fast bowler (563) and most wickets in a single World Cup (26 in 2007).

When was Glenn McGrath born?

9 February 1970 in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia.

What is Glenn McGrath’s bowling style?

Right-arm fast-medium bowler, known for his accuracy and bounce.

Does Glenn McGrath still play cricket?

No, he retired from all forms of international cricket in 2007. He occasionally appears in charity matches.

What is the McGrath Foundation’s purpose?

To fund breast care nurses across Australia, providing free support to individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

How did Glenn McGrath meet his second wife?

He met Sara Leonardi through mutual friends in Sydney after Jane’s death; they married in 2010.