In a bold assertion regarding the upcoming 2025-26 Ashes series, former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath has expressed his prediction that Australia will achieve a sweeping victory against England with a scoreline of 5-0. McGrath, who boasts an impressive legacy as a six-time Ashes winner, has made similar forecasts in the past, including one before the recent 2023 series. That particular series concluded in a draw at 2-2, with England retaining the iconic Ashes urn, a trophy steeped in rich history and rivalry.
Historically, England has struggled in the Ashes over the past few years, having not secured a series win since 2015. During this period, the team has drawn two series and suffered defeats in two others, grappling with the challenge of winning any matches on Australian soil since the 2010-11 series. McGrath voiced his unwavering confidence during a segment on BBC Radio 5 Live, stating, “It’s very rare for me to make a prediction, isn’t it? And I can’t make a different one – 5-0.” He elaborated on the strength of the current Australian lineup, particularly highlighting the prowess of key players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, who thrive in their home conditions.
While McGrath acknowledged the dominance of the Australian bowlers, he also pointed out potential areas of concern, particularly within the batting order. Australia’s batting has shown some instability with players like Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, and Marnus Labuschagne struggling for form. He also mentioned new opener Sam Konstas, who has yet to fully confirm his position following the retirement of David Warner, an influential figure in Australian cricket.
McGrath emphasized that the series would hinge on the contest between England’s top seven batsmen and Australia’s bowlers. He specifically identified Joe Root and Harry Brook as pivotal players for England’s prospects. The legendary bowler noted that Root, in particular, would be eager to improve his record in Australia, where he has yet to score a century despite accumulating 892 runs across 41 Tests. Comparatively, Root’s average of 35.68 in Australia trails behind his career average of 51.29.
Brook has caught McGrath’s attention for his aggressive style and willingness to take risks, a quality that the Australian bowlers will need to counter swiftly. Additionally, McGrath highlighted the need for England’s other batsmen, including Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, to ramp up their performances in a critical top-order battle against Australia’s skilled bowling attack.
Historically, Australia has dominated the Ashes on home soil, winning 4-0 during England’s last tour in the 2021-22 season. This dominance continues to set a daunting expectation for the English side, which has not been able to emerge victorious in five-match Test series, despite an impressive record of 25 wins under the guidance of head coach Brendon McCullum.
While McGrath praised England’s aggressive approach, he urged the players to enhance their mental focus, suggesting that being “switched on” mentally is essential for tournament success. He articulated his admiration for their desire to play without fear but emphasized the necessity for accountability and strategic awareness during matches.
In conclusion, as anticipation builds for the Ashes series, McGrath’s prediction adds another layer of excitement to the event. His insights reflect both the historical context of past contests and the ongoing evolution of the two teams. As they prepare for this high-stakes rivalry, the focus will undoubtedly be on how well England can rise to the challenge presented by an Australian team with a robust track record in home conditions.
