Rain played spoilsport in the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford and robbed England of an opportunity to level the series 2-2.
The final day’s play at Old Trafford got abandoned due to incessant rain on Sunday (July 23), leaving the Three Lions frustrated as they needed only five wickets to clinch the Test match after having dominated Australia with both bat and ball over the course of the first three days.
England may have conceded the urn after the Manchester draw but they have impressed one and all with their attacking style of play, including the Australian legend Glenn McGrath.
McGrath wants the Pat Cummins-led Australian side to take a leaf out of England’s “Bazball” approach and go to The Oval with all guns blazing even if they end up losing the fifth Test.
“I would rather see Australia lose the last Test by backing themselves, really taking it to England, rather than going down with a whimper,” McGrath told BBC Sports.
“Winning in England for the first time since 2001, beating this energised England team under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, should be massive motivation.
“To return to Australia with a 3-1 victory would be huge response to Bazball – an incredible achievement.”
While McGrath acknowledged that England outplayed Australia at Old Trafford, he feels the hosts could have won if they would have declared a bit early on Day 3.
“I have to be honest, England dominated this match. It was their ‘Bazball’ style in its finest form but Ben Stokes’ decision not to declare earlier on day three cost them victory.
“England were 506-8, leading by 189, but Stokes decided to bat long into the afternoon session.
“Jonny Bairstow’s 99 not out may have been brilliant for team morale but had Stokes pulled out England would have had another 10 overs when the ball was reverse swinging late on the third day.”
Taking a jibe at England skipper Ben Stokes, McGrath said this team can become one of the best but they need to walk the talk.
“England can say they were unlucky but it rained as much as was forecast. Afterwards Stokes talked about the bigger picture, his desire to reenergise the longest format, and that is important,” he said.
“But it is worrying me England might be using that as a tactic to deflect – that they are doing everything they can to take all of the pressure off themselves. Yes, talk about your style of play but once you cross that line you have to do everything to win.
“England have the attributes to become a great team but the best teams embrace the pressure. They should have declared at lunch and backed themselves to bowl Australia out,” he further remarked.
