Even though the Ashes is still more than three months away, pace legend Glenn McGrath has made his much anticipated prediction: Australia will win 5-0.
The fierce match is scheduled to start on November 21 in Perth, and McGrath thinks it will be “pretty tough” for England to overcome opponents like Pat Cummins and a dismal record.
McGrath stated that his forecast this time is predicated on the fact that India just held England to a 2-2 series draw in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
“It’s very rare for me to make a prediction, isn’t it? And I can’t make a different one – 5-0,” McGrath declared 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 the Ashes since 2015 and will head to Australia later this year for the five-match series.
Furthermore, since 2002–03, they have lost all but one series in Australia, going down 0–5 or 0–4. They last won a series 3-1 in 2010–11, which was their last Test series victory.
When England last visited Australia in 2021–2022, they lost 0-4, and Pat Cummins’ team have won 11 and drawn two of their last 15 home Test matches.
Australia’s unsettled top three is a problem, McGrath acknowledged.
While the youthful and lively Sam Konstas has not yet solidified his position as opener, players like Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, and Marnus Labuschagne are all struggling.
However, with England’s bowling attack still needing “a bit of strengthening,” McGrath believes the real challenge for Australia will be dismissing 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.”
Root has amassed 892 Test runs in Australia, including nine fifties, although he has yet to get a century. He recently became the second-highest run-scorer in Test history.
He averages 35.68 in Australia, significantly lower than his career average of 51.29, with a highest score of 89 Down Under.
“This series will be a big one for Root. He’s never really done that well in Australia, he’s not even got a 100 over there, so he’ll be keen to get out there. He’s in fine form,” McGrath said.
“Brook’s the one that I’ve enjoyed watching. He just goes out there, plays his game, and takes it on. The Australians will need to get on him pretty early,” added McGrath.
“Ben Duckett is such an aggressive opener. Zak Crawley would be keen to score a few more runs than he has previously.”
The pace legend has nothing but respect for England’s daring attitude and coach Brendon McCullum.
“I love seeing sportspeople go out there and play without fear. That’s what Baz is looking to bring into this England team – play without fear.
“I’d like to see a bit more accountability and the mental side of the game, just them switched on a bit more. It’s exciting.”
