McGrath backs Australia to beat England 5-0 in Ashes 2025-26

More than three months before the all-important Ashes 2025-26 series, the mind games have started with Australia’s legendary quick Glenn McGrath predicting a 5-0 whitewash of England when the series starts November 21.

McGrath, who won the Ashes six times during his career, is known for making bold predictions and had made the same call ahead of the 2023 series, which ended in a 2-2 draw, allowing Australia to retain the urn.

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England haven’t tasted series victory in the Ashes since 2015. Since then, they’ve drawn two series and lost two more, and their last Test win in Australia came during the 2010-11 tour.

“It’s very rare for me to make a prediction, isn’t it? And I can’t make a different one – 5-0. 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,” McGrath was quoted as saying by BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Plus, that track record England have had, it’d be interesting to see if they can win a Test.”

Australia cruised to a 4-0 win the last time England toured in 2021-22 and have maintained strong home form since, losing only two of their past 15 Tests while winning 11 and drawing two.

However, McGrath acknowledged that Australia’s batting line-up is not without problems. The form of the top three — Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne — is a concern, while young opener Sam Konstas is yet to cement his place following David Warner’s retirement.

Root, Brook key to England’s success

Despite those concerns, McGrath believes England’s bowling attack still has work to do, and sees the real contest as being between the visitors’ batters and Australia’s frontline attack. He highlighted Joe Root and Harry Brook as key figures in that battle.

“This series will be a big one for Root,” said McGrath. “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,” he said.

Root has so far amassed 892 runs in Tests in Australia, with nine fifties but yet to score a century. His average down under stands at 35.68, compared to his overall career average of 51.29. His best score in Australia is 89.

“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,” McGrath said.

“Ben Duckett is such an aggressive opener. Zak Crawley would be keen to score a few more runs than he has previously. 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 added.

Under Brendon McCullum, England have won 25 out of 41 Tests, but they are yet to win a five-match Test series during his tenure. Their most recent series against India also ended with a 2-2 scoreline.

Hailing the bold and entertaining brand of cricket England have adopted under McCullum, McGrath urged the team to show more mental sharpness.

“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,” said the 55-year-old.