Glenn McGrath and Michael Vaughan have clashed over their predictions for the Ashes - and no surprises in guessing which side each of the former players are backing.
The five Test series between England and Australia gets underway at Edgbaston on Friday, in what is gearing up to being one of the most highly anticipated summers of cricket on UK shores for many a year. The 'Baz-ball' formula instigated by coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes has turned around England's form, whilst Australia go in as newly crowned World Test Championship winners after their victory over India.
McGrath and Vaughan were both integral figures in the famous 2005 series, which England won 2-1. The fast bowler had previously backed the Aussies to win 5-0 that summer, and although that backfired his same tip did ring true in 2017/18 when England were whitewashed down under.
And perhaps unsurprisingly, the man with 563 Test wickets to his name has made his usual call again, although he did seemingly admit he was playing to the galleries "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," he told the BBC.
"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."
Former England skipper Vaughan however, pointed to Australia's recent record in England. They retained the Ashes on their last visit in 2019, but only managed a 2-2 draw overall after losing the final game at The Oval.
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"History says Australia haven't won in the UK since 2001," said Vaughan who tipped his former side to win 3-1. "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."
The two icons will have plenty of time to go back and for at each other this summer, with Vaughan once again the face of the BBC’s cricket coverage after signing a new two-year contract with the broadcaster. He was previously was dropped by the BBC 18 months ago after being accused of making racist remarks while playing for Yorkshire in 2009, but has since been cleared of the allegations.
Him and McGrath will be joined on Test Match Special commentary by the likes of Phil Tufnell, Sir Alastair Cook, Steven Finn, and Isa Guha. The Beeb will provide live radio commentary on every day of the series, as well as televised highlights at the end of wach day's play.
