MELBOURNE: Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath has once again backed a 5-0 sweep for Australia in the upcoming Ashes, starting November, citing England’s struggles in local conditions and Australia’s formidable home record.
“It’s very rare for me to make a prediction, isn’t it? And I can’t make a different one — 5-0,” McGrath said on BBC Radio.
“I’m very confident with our team. When you’ve got Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon firing in their home conditions, it’s going to be pretty tough. Plus, that track record England have had, it’d be interesting to see if they can win a Test,” he added.
England hasn’t won an Ashes series since 2015 and has claimed just one Test victory in Australia since 2010–11. On its last tour in 2021–22, it lost 0-4.
McGrath also pointed to concerns around Australia’s top three, with Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green out of form, but feels England’s bowling attack also lacks bite. The key, he believes, will be how the Australian attack handles Joe Root and Harry Brook.
“It’s the top order or top and middle order of England against the Australian fast bowlers and Lyon. That’s going to be a big match-up,” he said.
“This series will be a big one for Root... he’s not even got a 100 over there... he’ll be keen to get out there. He’s in fine form,” McGrath said. “Brook’s the one that I’ve enjoyed watching... The Australians will need to get on him pretty early.” Agencies
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