The Ashes 2025-26: Glenn McGrath on the importance of Sydney Ashes Test

Legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath provides an incisive analysis of the Ashes series, reflecting on Australia’s recent defeat in Melbourne, England’s evolving tactical approach, and the enduring significance of the upcoming Sydney Test, particularly its unique role as the ‘Pink Test’. His insights underscore the critical mental and tactical dimensions that frequently determine outcomes in Test cricket, even as the series standings appear settled.

Australia’s remarkable streak of 18 consecutive home Ashes Test victories, spanning nearly 15 years, ultimately concluded in Melbourne. While the defeat to England was undoubtedly a moment of disappointment for Australian observers and former players like McGrath, it was not perceived as a catastrophic setback. This perspective is likely tempered by Australia having already secured the series, mitigating the impact of a singular loss. The longevity of this unbeaten run itself raises questions about England’s previous performances during this period. Despite possessing a roster of world-class talents such as Joe Root, Ben Stokes, James Anderson, and Stuart Broad, England’s inability to convert individual brilliance into consistent team success in Australia, losing 16 of the 18 preceding matches, points to deeper systemic issues. McGrath attributes these historical struggles not to a lack of talent, but rather to deficiencies in the mental fortitude and tactical execution required to thrive in Australian conditions, a point he has consistently emphasized. The recent victory in Melbourne now prompts speculation as to whether England has genuinely overcome these long-standing psychological barriers or if they will revert to their previous patterns of inconsistency as the series progresses to Sydney.

The nature of the playing surface in Melbourne also became a focal point of discussion. Initial reports indicating a pitch with 10mm of grass immediately raised questions regarding its expected behaviour. Comparisons were drawn to the previous year’s Boxing Day Test against India, which featured a surface with 3mm less grass yet still extended into the final session of the fifth day, offering a balanced contest. The Melbourne pitch, in contrast, proved overly favourable to bowlers, a characteristic that McGrath believes unduly skewed the contest. While acknowledging the pitch’s influence, he critically assessed the application and methods of batters from both sides. McGrath posed a pertinent question: did the batters genuinely commit to adapting their approach and devising alternative strategies to counter the pronounced movement of the ball? In his estimation, the answer was largely negative, suggesting a failure to adequately adjust to the challenging conditions. Paradoxically, this bowler-friendly environment inadvertently played into England’s hands.

The aggressive, free-flowing batting philosophy known as "Bazball" has garnered significant attention and debate in recent years. One of its inherent strengths, particularly suited to the dynamics of Test cricket, is its efficacy in fourth innings chases. England has cultivated a reputation as an exceptional chasing team, their attacking methodology enabling them to pursue and achieve substantial targets with remarkable success. Notable examples include their successful pursuits of 378 and 371 against India in 2022 and 2025, respectively. While the target of 175 runs in Melbourne was considerably smaller, the persistent movement of the ball rendered it a tricky proposition. England’s assertive approach, however, allowed them to maintain momentum and minimize the time the bowlers had to exploit the conditions.

This success, however, leads McGrath to question some of Ben Stokes’s earlier tactical decisions in the series. Specifically, Stokes’s choice to bat first after winning the toss in the initial two Tests, particularly in Perth on a pitch that bore similarities to the challenging Melbourne surface, invites scrutiny. While the benefit of hindsight is undeniable, it prompts an analytical query: would Stokes, given another opportunity, reiterate those decisions? The strategic implications of batting first versus bowling first are profound, heavily influenced by pitch characteristics, weather forecasts, and the relative strengths of the teams. An informed decision at the toss can significantly shape the trajectory of a Test match. With the psychological burden of their long losing streak in Australia now lifted, Stokes and his team will approach the fifth Test in Sydney with renewed vigour, eager to secure another victory and demonstrate sustained improvement.

The outcome of the Sydney Test carries significant implications for England, both in terms of perception and personnel. A 3-2 series defeat, while still a loss, would undoubtedly present a more favourable narrative than a 4-1 thrashing. However, such a scoreline could also amplify a sense of regret and "what could have been." McGrath posits that England possessed the capability to win the series, given the circumstances. He highlights the Australian side’s occasional absences of key players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, and Steve Smith, coupled with situations where England held advantageous positions. These opportunities, McGrath suggests, were squandered due to a lack of mental fortitude and tactical acumen. Moving into the final Test, England must compartmentalize these reflections and focus solely on the immediate challenge.

Beyond the immediate result, the final scoreline could have tangible consequences for England’s coaching staff. A more respectable 3-2 defeat might, in some instances, serve to safeguard positions when the inevitable post-series review commences, placing even greater emphasis on a win for the coaching personnel than for the players themselves. McGrath expresses concern about a potential "upheaval" that could see talented players discarded. He singles out Harry Brook, whose exceptional talent is undeniable, and Zak Crawley, whose second innings in Adelaide provided a potential blueprint for his future development. England’s ability to demonstrate adaptation and learning from their errors in Perth and Brisbane would serve as a powerful testament to the efficacy of the coaching staff’s work, a crucial factor for the team’s long-term progression.

Conversely, McGrath hopes that Australia experiences a genuine sense of disappointment and uses the Melbourne defeat as a catalyst for renewed determination. Despite having already secured the series, maintaining intensity and a winning mindset is paramount. The Australian team has displayed remarkable resilience throughout the series, commendably navigating the intermittent absences of key players such as captain Pat Cummins, frontline bowler Josh Hazlewood, spinner Nathan Lyon, and talismanic batter Steve Smith. While winning the series is the primary objective, McGrath stresses the importance of never taking one’s foot off the accelerator. The decision to rest Cummins for the Melbourne Test also warrants examination. If based on genuine fitness concerns, it is understandable. However, in an Ashes series, every Test match holds immense value and should be treated with the utmost seriousness, reinforcing the principle that no fixture is a mere formality.

Individual player performances and selection pressures are also a critical aspect of the upcoming Test. Jake Weatherald, having failed to surpass 20 runs in his last four innings, faces significant pressure to produce a substantial score to solidify his position. All-rounder Cameron Green, despite a recent dip in form, is still regarded by McGrath as a future star, destined for an exceptional career once he fully re-establishes himself in Test cricket following his injury layoff. However, he will face competition for his spot from Beau Webster. McGrath also expresses surprise that Usman Khawaja, at 39, has not yet announced his retirement plans, hinting that this could be his final Test match. This observation leads to a reflection on McGrath’s own retirement in the 2006-07 Sydney Test, alongside Shane Warne and Justin Langer, with Damien Martyn having retired earlier in that series. McGrath recalls discussing retirement with Warne before the Perth Test, emphasizing the desire to avoid making such announcements while the series remained undecided. Their dominant victory in Perth, highlighted by Adam Gilchrist’s incredible century, provided the appropriate context for their announcements, thereby amplifying the significance of the subsequent two Tests. Finishing a storied career in such a commanding fashion is a source of immense pride for McGrath, reinforcing the notion that "dead rubbers" simply do not exist in the context of an Ashes series.

The Sydney Test holds a particularly special place for Glenn McGrath and his family, primarily due to its association with the ‘Pink Test’. This upcoming match will mark the 18th iteration of this unique event, dedicated to raising funds in memory of his late wife, Jane. Last year, the reach of the Jane McGrath Foundation was expanded beyond breast cancer to encompass all types of cancer, broadening its impact and reinforcing its vital mission. While the occasion can evoke powerful emotions, McGrath views it fundamentally as a celebration of life, a unique spectacle within the sporting world due to its scale and profound philanthropic purpose. His final hope for the Sydney Test, beyond its charitable significance, is simply for more than two days of play, a subtle plea for a competitive, full-length match that showcases the best of Test cricket.