Glenn McGrath predicts Australia to whitewash England 5-0 in Ashes

Dubai: As the highly anticipated 2025 Ashes series draws near, Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath has boldly predicted a clean sweep for the home side. Speaking exclusively to Gulf News, McGrath, who is a master at mind games, expressed confidence in Australia’s formidable bowling attack but also raised concerns over the team’s batting lineup, particularly the opening slots.

“I’m happy to go out on a limb and say 5-0 to Australia,” McGrath declared while taking time off from his training schedule with the MRF Pace Foundation wards in Chennai. “England haven’t won a Test match in Australia for a long, long time, and looking at their current injuries and form, it’s going to be tough for them.”

England previously won the Ashes in 2015 at home under Alastair Cook with James Anderson and Stuart Broad leading the hosts’ bowling attack.

Australia’s bowling arsenal, led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and backed by Nathan Lyon’s spin, remains one of the most fearsome in world cricket. “The fast bowling attack is quality — probably the best in the world right now,” McGrath said. “They bring pace, skill, and experience, which will be crucial on Australian pitches.”

However, McGrath identified Australia’s top order as a potential weak point. “The batting, especially the top three, needs some work. We’ve got some solid middle-order players, but the openers need to step up,” he noted. “Sam Konstas has been around for a while and done a great job, but Australia need someone to put pressure on his spot and solidify the top order.”

England’s squad face their own challenges, with key players like Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, who dislocated his shoulder during the fifth and final Test against India at the Oval, and Ben Stokes nursing injuries. “England’s bowling has been struggling because of injuries to Wood, Stokes, and others,” McGrath observed. “If they want to compete, they’ll need their best bowlers firing — Archer, Wood, and Stokes must be at their peak.”

Despite England’s hurdles, McGrath expects a competitive series with plenty of intensity. “The Ashes is always a special contest. England will be keen to prove themselves, and Australia will be determined to retain the urn on home soil.”

Looking at recent Test contests between India and England, McGrath praised the quality and passion on display. “Test cricket needs matches like these — close, hard-fought battles with both teams giving their all. It’s great for the sport and the fans.”

In summary, while Australia hold the upper hand, McGrath warned against complacency. “If Australia can sort out the top order and maintain their bowling firepower, they’ll be very tough to beat. England will need to be at their best to break the streak, but I’m tipping Australia to dominate.”

The 2025 Ashes promises thrilling cricket — and with McGrath’s bold 5-0 prediction, the spotlight is firmly on the Australians to deliver a commanding performance.