Legendary Australian cricket fast bowler Glenn McGrath’s father Kevin dies

Kevin McGrath – the beloved father of Australian cricketing legend Glenn – has passed away after a battle with illness.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of my beloved father-in-law, Kevin James McGrath,” Glenn McGrath’s wife, Sara McGrath, wrote on Twitter. Instagram on Wednesday.

“He was a wonderful father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. He was compassionate, humble, caring and definitely always there when you needed him.

“He was a man of the land, tough as they are, whose greatest pleasure was to wake up each day and look forward to working his wheat and sheep farm.

A gentleman in every way. When I arrived in Australia I only knew one person, my husband, my father in law welcomed me with open arms and heart. He was the best father-in-law I could have ever wished for.

The McGrath Farm in Narromine in NSW, where Glenn honed his craft as a junior cricketer (pictured, father and son together)

Kevin McGrath was described on Instagram by Sara McGrath, wife of Australian cricketing legend Glenn McGrath, as ‘compassionate, humble and caring’

McGrath moved to Sydney as a youngster with his father’s blessing and became one of Australia’s greatest ever bowlers (pictured, with the late Shane Warne)

“In the last few months of his life, I had the privilege of repaying the love he had shown me since we met.

“He will be greatly missed as we are at peace that he is no longer suffering. I love you Kev.’

Kevin McGrath raised his family on a farm in Narromine in country NSW and it was where his son Glenn honed his craft as a talented junior cricketer.

Eventually, the champion quickly moved to Sydney to play at level level for Sutherland before making his debut for NSW during the 1992-93 season.

Testeer soon followed, with McGrath – who was close to his father – quickly spearheading the Australian pace attack.

McGrath retired in January 2007 with 563 Test wickets to his name.

More to come…