Glenn McGrath’s bold Ashes prediction

GLENN McGrath was famous for his big predictions during his legendary playing career. Nothing has changed in retirement.

23 Dec 2006 Bowler Glenn McGrath during Aust net practice at MCG, ahead of fourth Ashes test against /England, after he announced he will retire from all forms of the game after the World Cup. PicPhil/Hillyard smiling sport cricket training

GLENN McGrath is predicting a record-breaking Ashes result this summer — and fully expects Australia to record their first series win in England for 14 years.

Australia secured a whitewash over Alastair Cook’s side in the 2013-14 series on home turf but they have failed to capture the urn in their last three visits to the United Kingdom.

But McGrath is confident that Michael Clarke’s side can replicate the success of Steve Waugh’s team in 2001 and underline their status as pre-series favourites.

The former fast bowler, who took 563 Test wickets during a 14-year career, told Sky Sports News HQ: “I don’t mind making the odd prediction here and there — and everyone expects me to say 5-0 — but I’m trying something slightly different this time because you don’t want to just say the same old, same old.

“But Australia to me are up 5-0 already ... so my prediction is 10-0 Australia.”

Glenn McGrath is still getting in the heads of the England players.

McGrath believes Mitchell Johnson is certain to start in the first Test in Cardiff, although the selectors may have a tough decision in picking the two other fast bowlers.

In nine Tests in Australia, Johnson has taken 52 English wickets at 23.91; his record in England is less impressive — with 20 wickets at 32.55.

McGrath said: “The Australian team is playing with a lot of confidence coming off a World Cup win and they have played well in the West Indies. But if any team wants to get to No. 1 in the world they have to have a quality bowling attack and Australia have certainly got that.

“The selectors have a tough job trying to fit four bowlers into three slots. Mitchell Johnson has to start. There has been little talk that Ryan Harris might be rested for the first Test but play at Lord’s and that Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will be picked.

“I’m looking forward to seeing both those young guys giving it a go and see how they perform.

“Starc has been very impressive for some time now and if Hazlewood can master the Duke ball here in England and hit the seam, then he can be a real danger.”