AUS vs ENG: Glenn McGrath Slams Umpires For Changing Ball During 5th Ashes 2023 Test 

Former Australia pacer Glenn McGrath slammed umpires for replacing the ball on Day 4 of the 5th Test of Ashes 2023. Glenn McGrath feels that umpires changed a 37-over-old ball with one that was just less than 15 overs old. McGrath also added that the event should be looked upon.

Even after a fabulous start against a target of 384 in the 5th Test, Australia went short of 49 runs for victory. Usman Khawaja and David Warner etched an opening stand of 140 runs. Reaching 250-3 at one point, Australia looked favorites to win. However, England twisted the match in their favor and ultimately won by 49 runs.

Also Read: AUS vs ENG: True Champion! Glenn McGrath Hails Stuart Broad After Retirement Call

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That Should Not Happen: Glenn McGrath On Umpires Changing Ball

While speaking to BBC Sports, Australia bowling legend Glenn McGrath slammed the umpire for changing the ball in the 5th Test. He said changing a 37-over-old ball with a 15-over-old ball should be looked upon.

‘I must say – and it is not the reason England won – the fact the umpires changed a 37-over-old ball on day four for one that looked like it had been used for no more than 15 overs has to be looked into to. That should not happen. But, ultimately, the wait for a first Ashes series win in the UK since 2001 goes on another four years,’ the 53-year-old said.

Also Read: AUS vs ENG: Days After Mocking ‘Bazball’, Glenn McGrath Urges Australia To Copy England’s Style

The pace-bowling great further admitted that the series finishing in a 2-2 draw is a “fitting result”.

“I am always going to be positive and back Australia but I’ll admit 2-2 is a fitting result to the series. Both teams were on the ropes at times but managed to hang in there. We’ll have to see how things are but in two-and-a-half years time I bet I’ll be making the same prediction again. England have lost 4-0, 4-0 and 5-0 in their last three trips down under. Winning in Australia will be Bazball’s next frontier.”

Glenn McGrath, who played over 100 Tests and 250 ODIs for Australia, also praised England pacer Stuart Broad on his retirement. Broad retired from international cricket after Ashes 2023.

“England are not going to be the only ones who will miss the retiring Stuart Broad,. ‘Australia may have always cast him as the villain but that is only because we respect him. Taking the final two wickets of the fifth Ashes Test to draw an incredible series is a fitting end for a bowler I cannot speak highly enough about.

His phenomenal statistics – 604 wickets in 167 Tests – speak for themselves. They are a testament to his mental desire, skill and longevity,” said McGrath, who represented Australia from 1993 to 2007.

Also Read: Ashes 2023: Ricky Ponting Demands An Investigation Into The Controversial Ball Change During The Fifth Test At The Oval

Meanwhile, Ashes 2023 series ended in a 2-2 draw. England won the 5th Test to deny a series victory to Australia. Earlier, they had won the 3rd Test by 3 wickets. Australia bagged victories in the opening two games by 2 wickets and 43 runs respectively. The 4th Test ended in a draw.