Glenn McGrath fires "5-0" Ashes warning to England after India's memorable draw

Legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath has made a bold prediction ahead of the highly anticipated 2025-26 Ashes, claiming that Pat Cummins-led Australia will whitewash Ben Stokes-led England 5-0 in the five-match Test series set to begin later this year.

Glenn McGrath’s bold prediction for the upcoming Ashes comes on the back of England’s recent performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, where they drew 2-2 with India. McGrath believes that the current England cricket team won’t stand a chance against Australia on home soil.

The former Australian fast bowler’s prediction isn’t just blind optimism but is based on recent history and current form. England hasn’t won an Ashes series since 2015, and their last Test win in Australia came way back in 2011. In fact, England hasn’t managed to win even a single Test match in Australia for over a decade.

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Glenn McGrath predicts a 5-0 whitewash for Australia against England in the 2025-26 Ashes

Meanwhile, Australia has turned their home turf into a fortress. Under Pat Cummins, the Australia cricket team has been dominant, winning 11 out of their last 15 home tests, losing just two, with two draws. Their fierce bowling attack, comprising Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, remains one of the most feared attacks in world cricket.

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With momentum, history, and home conditions all in Australia’s favor, McGrath believes that England can have a nightmare Ashes series later this year. He feels the prestigious Test series can be a one-sided affair between England and Australia.

Glenn McGrath was quoted as saying by BBC Radio 5 Live, “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. Plus, with that track record England has had, it'd be interesting to see if they can win a Test.”

Glenn McGrath warns of Australia’s top-order woes ahead of Ashes

However, the legendary cricketer has admitted that Australia’s batting lineup isn’t concerned, especially at the top. He pointed out that Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, and Marnus Labuschagne have been struggling with form lately. To add to the uncertainty, young opener Sam Konstas is still trying to cement his place after David Warner’s retirement.

At the same time, McGrath feels England’s bowling attack also needs improvement. He believes that the real contest in the upcoming Ashes will be between England’s top seven batters and Australia’s powerful bowling unit. He also noted that Joe Root and Harry Brook will be the key players to watch in England’s line-up in the five-match Test series later this year.

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Glenn McGrath backs England’s Bazball style but calls for more discipline

Since Brendon McCullum took over as head coach, England has won 25 out of 41 Test matches, all thanks to the aggressive style of play. However, they are still waiting for their first win in the five-match Test series.

Well, McGrath praised England’s Bazball approach but said the team needs to be more mentally focused, especially during longer Test series.

McGrath signed off by saying, “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.”