McGrath says England responsible for failing to regain Ashes

Australia nice Glenn McGrath stated England solely had itself responsible for its failure to regain the Ashes after rain ensured the fourth Test at Old Trafford resulted in a draw.

The complete of Sunday’s closing day was washed out with out a ball bowled, whereas 60 overs have been misplaced to dangerous climate on Saturday.

A draw meant Australia, because the holder, retained the Ashes at 2-1 up within the sequence with simply this week’s fifth and closing Test at The Oval in London to play.

But with the Manchester climate infamous for interrupting Tests at Old Trafford and the forecast past final week’s third day dire, McGrath stated England had batted on too lengthy.

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England made 592 in reply to Australia’s first-innings 317, with former quick bowler McGrath arguing residence captain Ben Stokes ought to have declared in order to offer his aspect extra time to bowl out the vacationers, who have been 214-5 of their second innings when play was deserted.

“Looking back at that declaration (decision), if they (England) had finished at lunch on day three, given themselves 10 more overs when the ball was doing a bit more, they could easily have picked up six or seven wickets,” McGrath informed the BBC.

“England had the opportunity but for some reason decided to play on after lunch which, to a degree, sealed their fate.”

The host additionally had possibilities to win within the first two Tests at Edgbaston and Lord’s, solely to fall 2-0 behind to world Test champion Australia.

McGrath, an Ashes series-winner in England in 2001 however a member of the shedding Australia tour squad of 2005, added: “If they (England) had played truly ruthless cricket, they could be 3-0 up by now but they’re 2-1 down and the Ashes have gone.”

Australia has gone 5 excursions with out an Ashes sequence win in England since its 2001 success.

Michael Vaughan, England’s captain throughout its thrilling 2005 Ashes triumph, was eager for that sequence to be prolonged.

“You wouldn’t want to be the first England team to lose here since 2001, so I do think there’s a huge amount to play for down at The Oval,” he stated.

“I know they’re 2-1 down but it just feels like England have been the better team. They’ve played some good stuff and dominated many parts of the Test matches.”

He added: “If Australia play the way they have in this (Old Trafford) Test then England will absolutely wipe them.”