Ashes 2025/26: Glenn McGrath warns England of 'embarrassing' series defeat

Ashes 2025/26: Glenn McGrath warns England of 'embarrassing' series defeat

Former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath has warned England that they must win the 3rd Ashes Test in Adelaide or risk facing an "embarrassing" defeat in the ongoing Ashes series.

The warning comes after Australia took a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series, winning both Tests within six days of play.

England are coming off a one-sided defeat in the 2nd Test, a pink-ball affair, at The Gabba, Brisbane.

McGrath questions England's approach

In his recent column for BBC, McGrath wrote that "If England don't win the third Test in Adelaide, it will get embarrassing."

"Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?" added the former Aussie pacer.

"Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right."

'Pressure, expectations shouldn't be removed'

After their loss in Brisbane, England's leadership team, including Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, acknowledged the issues plaguing their side.

"I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible," wrote McGrath.

However, the former pacer said he doesn't "like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account."

Australia's history of taking accountability

McGrath described how he played under "tough captains like Allan Border, Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting."

He highlighted the accountability that Australian players have held over the years.

"Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say and opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team. Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players."

England's last Test win in Australia

The Ashes urn has been with Australia since the 2017/18 edition Down Under, which they won 4-0.

England lost the 2021/22 series in Australia by a 4-0 margin. The 2019 and 2023 series in England have been drawn (2-2).

Notably, England last won a Test in Australia in January 2011. They were routed 5-0 by the Aussies in the 2013/14 series.