Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad took to social media with a lighthearted response to Australian legend Glenn McGrath’s bold Ashes prediction. Posting on X, Broad wrote, “It’s August!! At least let us land Glenn!” in reaction to McGrath forecasting a dominant 5-0 win for Australia in the upcoming Ashes series.
The latest chapter in the long-running England–Australia cricket banter began when McGrath, in an interview, admitted it was unusual for him to make predictions but couldn’t see past a clean sweep for Australia. “It’s very rare for me to make a prediction, isn't it? And I can’t make a different one: 5-0,” said the former pace great, backing his country to dominate the series.
The 2025–26 Ashes is set to get underway in November in Australia, but McGrath’s early call has already stirred friendly rivalry between the cricketing nations. Broad, known for his sharp wit both on and off the field, used humour to remind McGrath that the series is still months away, adding to the build-up and excitement among fans.
The exchange is another reminder of how the Ashes rivalry thrives not only on the pitch but also in the war of words that precedes it, ensuring cricket fans have plenty to talk about long before the first ball is bowled.
'They Were Playing For...': Sachin Tendulkar Backs India After Ben Stokes' 'Handshake' Controversy During IND Vs ENG 4th Test
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has come out strongly in defense of Team India, responding to criticism from England captain Ben Stokes regarding the refusal to shake hands during the fourth Test of the recently concluded India vs England Test series.
The controversy began after India, while batting to save the fourth Test, chose not to agree to a draw despite the match heading for a stalemate. This reportedly irked Ben Stokes, who expected the Indian side to offer a handshake earlier, allowing both teams to rest before the final Test. But Tendulkar firmly dismissed that expectation as unreasonable.
Speaking in a video interaction on Reddit, Tendulkar said, “Washington (Sundar) scored a hundred, and Jadeja scored a hundred. Why is it not in the right spirit? They were playing for a draw. Before that, they battled it out when England were having a go at them, and negotiated it all to bat brilliantly. The series was alive, so why should they go ahead and give rest to England bowlers and fielders?”
Tendulkar's comments have resonated with many fans who felt the criticism from England’s camp was misplaced. With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy ending in a thrilling 2–2 draw, the series was fiercely contested and as Tendulkar points out, playing to the very end was the right call.
