‘Going to be an incredible contest’ - Glenn McGrath, Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan predict Ashes scoreline

Former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath has predicted that Australia will win the upcoming Ashes 5-0. Both England and Australia are gearing up for the much anticipated series, scheduled to begin from June 16.

Australia will be coming into the series on the back of a brilliant win against India in the World Test Championship final 2023. On the other hand, England will come into the five-match Test series on the back of a dominant win against Ireland at home. With both sides fired up for the marquee series, many experts came forward to give their predictions for the Ashes 2023.

"I've been really impressed with the way England have been playing, but this Australian team is different with a great bowling attack and quality batters. It's going to be an incredible contest. The first Test is massively important. I can see every Test going down to the wire, with Australia just winning every game. I'm sure people want me to say 5-0, so I will not disappoint them," McGrath told the BBC.

Furthermore, former England skipper Michael Vaughan came forward to opine that Australia hasn't won in England since 2001, and with a far better English side than the one in 2019, the Ben Stokes-led side could surprise them.

"History says Australia haven't won in the UK since 2001. The last time they were here in 2019, it was a very similar team to what they have now, and they only managed a 2-2 draw against an England team that wasn't very good. England are miles better now, and they will surprise the Australians," Vaughan said.

Former England opener Alastair Cook was of the opinion that the English pacers would have to stay fit throughout the series if they are looking to reclaim the iconic urn. He also stated that he was excited to see how Australia confronted Bazball.

"Stuart Broad thinks it will be 3-2—that it will go to The Oval 2-2 and we'll win there. I think there will be a bit of weather about at some stage, so that takes one of the equation for the draw. England's bowlers need to stay fit. I'm excited to see how Australia confront Bazball because there are so many unanswered questions," Cook told the BBC.