Glenn McGrath has leapt to the defence of stand-in Australian skipper Steve Smith after heavy criticism of his late declaration on the final day of the Melbourne Test.

The third Test against India petered out in a draw, with Australia unable to take the last four wickets of the visiting side, after Smith declared his team’s second innings closed well into the fifth day.

Smith was hit with a barrage of criticism for his conservative approach in not zeroing in on a result, but McGrath believes such talk is off the mark.

“We have been spoilt here in Australia with the attacking brand of cricket we have played,” said McGrath, who is Australia’s second greatest wicket-taker with 563 wickets in 124 Tests at 21.64.

“To get a series win is still pretty big and I don’t think we should lose sight of that.

“We break it down to one Test at a time and it has to be aggressive and positive and going for that win, which I thought the boys were still playing for.

“It was a very good batting wicket on the last day, more of a day three wicket.

“In similar situation in this Test match you might see Steve go a little bit harder.

“The boys have played some good quality Test cricket.

“I think they have dominated and that is why they are 2-0 up.”

Josh Hazlewood has reminded fans of a young McGrath in his first two Tests this summer.

Ahead of the Pink Test, the fourth and final Test against India, starting on Tuesday to help raise funds for the Jane McGrath Foundation, McGrath said he felt the young NSW quick has a big future.

“He is not skinny enough, he is a lot stronger,” McGrath joked.

“He has a big career in front of him he is tall, he is strong, he hits good areas, builds pressure, has good control, gets the ball through at good pace so he has everything he needs to be a quality fast bowler for a long time.”