• Source:JND
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Ben Stokes' England visibly was the better side in the fourth Test in Manchester where rain played its part to wash out the final day completely, leaving Australia to retain the Ashes once again.

Australia's legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath wants Pat Cummins-led side to copy a bit of England’s “Bazball” style and should go to the Oval in order to clinch the series.

 

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“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 a huge response to Bazball – an incredible achievement.”

The veteran also suggested to the home side that they could have won the Manchester Test 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.”

McGrath also took a jibe at the England skipper Ben Stokes, saying that this English 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.

 

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“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 added.

The fifth and final Test of the series will be played at The Oval in London from July 27 where the hosts will be looking to level the series like they did in 2019.