Cricket Legend Glenn McGrath Predicts Ashes 5-0 Win

London, Aug 8 (PTI) - With The Ashes still over three months away, cricket fans are getting a taste of the action with pace legend Glenn McGrath delivering his anticipated prediction: a 5-0 clean sweep for Australia.

The highly anticipated series is set to kick off in Perth on November 21. McGrath has expressed confidence in Australia's chances, suggesting that England will face significant challenges against the likes of Pat Cummins and Australia's formidable home track record.

Reflecting on recent performances, McGrath's prediction seems rooted in England's recent series draw with India in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, which ended in a 2-2 deadlock.

"It's very rare for me to make a prediction, isn't it? And I can't make a different one - 5-0," McGrath proclaimed confidently on 'BBC Radio'.

"Our team is very strong. With Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon performing in their home conditions, England will have a tough task ahead of them."

He also mentioned England's historical struggles in Australia: "Considering England's track record in Australia, it'll be interesting to see if they manage to win even a single Test."

England's upcoming journey to Australia marks another opportunity to reclaim The Ashes, a feat they last accomplished in 2015. However, their performances in Australia have been less than stellar, with series losses of 0-5 or 0-4 in all but one series since 2002-03. Their last series win Down Under was a 3-1 victory in 2010-11.

In the most recent encounter in 2021-22, Australia secured a 4-0 victory over England. Pat Cummins' squad remains resilient, with Australia losing just two of their past 15 home Tests, winning 11 and drawing two.

McGrath conceded that Australia's lineup isn't without its own concerns, particularly their top three batsmen. Players like Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, and Marnus Labuschagne are currently out of form, while up-and-comer Sam Konstas still needs to secure his spot as an opener.

Nevertheless, McGrath believes that England's bowling attack requires improvement: "The main battle will be stopping Joe Root and Harry Brook."

"The real contest is England's top and middle-order facing the Australian fast bowlers and Lyon. That's going to be an exciting match-up."

Joe Root, who recently became the second-highest run-scorer in Test history, has amassed 892 Test runs in Australia, including nine fifties. However, he has yet to score a century there. His Down Under average of 35.68 falls short of his career average of 51.29, with his highest score being 89.

"This series is crucial for Root. He hasn't had great success in Australia—never even scoring a century. He'll be eager to prove himself, especially given his fine form," asserted McGrath.

"Brook, on the other hand, has been fascinating to watch. He plays his game confidently and aggressively, making it important for Australia to target him from the start."

"Ben Duckett is an aggressive opener, and Zak Crawley will be hoping to improve his run tally this time around."

The pace legend also praised England's head coach, Brendon McCullum, for the fearless brand of cricket the team is embracing.

"I admire athletes who play without fear. That's what Baz is instilling in this England team—fearless cricket," McGrath commented.

"I'd like to see a bit more accountability and focus. Mentally switching on is crucial. It's an exciting approach."

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