Follow UsThe Ashes is a massive series in the cricketing calendar, and the upcoming edition is not going to be any different. England and Australia will renew their rivalry, and no team would want to give the other team an inch.
Former Australia pacer Glenn McGrath has predicted the Ashes series winner and he believes it will be a landslide victory for the hosts. "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 last won an Ashes series back in 2015, but won in Australia last in 2010-11. In the most recent Ashes series in Australia in 2021-22, England lost 0-4. The Pat Cummins-led side have won 11 of their last 15 Tests at home, losing just two.
McGrath also admits that there are a few issues with the Australian line-up with Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Cam Green that they need to address. McGrath believes Joe Root and Harry Brook will be a massive threat for Australia.
"The main battle will be stopping Joe Root and Harry Brook," he said.
"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."
Root is yet to hit a ton in Australia, and McGrath believes it will be a massive series for him. "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 former pacer also lauded Brendon McCullum for his effort in inculcating a fearless brand of cricket in his England side. "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."
In the recent series, England drew 2-2 against India at home. They were seven runs away from claiming a 3-1 win, but Mohammed Siraj did not let that happen as his nine wickets helped India escape with a six-run victory at the Oval.
The Ashes kick-starts on November 21 with the first Test set to be played in Perth.