Glenn McGrath has produced his latest Ashes predictions but the former fast bowler has steered clear of saying it will be a 5-0 whitewash.

He admits that Australia are underdogs heading into the Ashes but can’t see why they won’t defeat England and regain the urn.

“England are the favourites,” the 43-year-old said.

“But being underdogs could work in Australia’s favour. They have nothing to lose.”

He added: “Unless there’s rain, I think there will be a result in every Test. I have to say 2-1 to Australia.”

The build-up to any series is crucial but the Ashes brings extra hype and banter between the players.

A big pre-cursor this time around has been the change in personnel within the two sides.

England will have Joe Root opening the batting for the first time in a Test match following the decision to replace Nick Compton.

This has led to pace bowler James Pattinson saying that the youngster might be subject of some sledging, a tactic that McGrath believes is the right one.

“They should get stuck into him early, try to unsettle him and let him know it’s Test cricket,” said the right-armer, who took 563 wickets in 124 Test matches.

“He’s an opener, facing the new ball. If he gets off to a couple of bad starts, he might just slide back down the order.

“You’d want to get out there and be pretty aggressive towards him, not make it too easy.”

Pattinson has extra incentive ahead of the Ashes as he had turned down a chance to play for England.

The 23-year-old holds dual English-Australian nationality but decided to play for Australia as he was unhappy over the apparent poor treatment of brother Darren.

“There’s a little bit of feeling there with Patto,” added McGrath, who retired from Test cricket in 2007.

“Everyone plays for their own reasons but I didn’t realise that James had that history with England.
“You still have to do the business on the field and not let emotions boil over.”

One of England’s biggest assets will be James Anderson, who is the fourth England player to pass 300 Test wickets and a bowler who McGrath has a lot of praise for.

“Jimmy is a quality bowler. I always thought he had the potential to be really good,” said McGrath.

“He always bowled well in England but struggled overseas. Now he’s an exceptional bowler all over the world.

“That experience and confidence that he brings to the team, makes him the leader of the attack. He’s a quality bowler.”