Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath expressed his belief that Pat Cummins, the current Australian captain, has the potential to secure an Ashes victory in England — a feat that eluded World Cup-winning captains Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke. McGrath’s remarks come as Australia heads into the second Test at Lord’s with a 1-0 lead in the series.
Recalling his experience from the 2005 Ashes series, McGrath, in a recent interview with the BBC, said, “The last time a team came from behind to win the Ashes was in 2005, a series I was right in the thick of. We were 1-0 up heading into the second Test at Edgbaston. We lost a thrilling Test by two runs, but I will always maintain that the series would have been won had we got over the line that day.”
Drawing a parallel to the current situation, McGrath asserted, “The same is true now. If Australia win at Lord’s, the Ashes are done and dusted. England arrive at Lord’s with more pressure on their shoulders. If they lose, I can’t see a way that they get back into the series.”
McGrath also praised England’s fearless and aggressive approach but cautioned them against becoming too cocky. “Naturally, I’m a true blue Aussie, but that doesn’t mean I can’t like the way England play. They are aggressive, positive and back themselves. That is what I want to see from all sports people. Only when you play without fear do you learn what you are truly capable of,” McGrath said.
