New Delhi, Dec 22 (NationPress) Former Australian cricket star Glenn McGrath has raised concerns regarding England's mindset following their defeat in the third Test of the Ashes series. The match concluded with Australia securing a decisive 82-run victory in Adelaide, thereby defending their Ashes title and claiming the series with a 3-0 lead. This win marks Australia's third consecutive triumph in the series.

Having achieved an unassailable 3-0 advantage in the five-match contest in just 11 days of play, Australia matched the record for the quickest series victory in the Ashes over the past century, with previous wins in Perth and Brisbane. England is now on a worrying streak of 18 Tests without a win on Australian soil.

“England came here with a significant reputation. There were many discussions about how this was their best opportunity to win since 2010-11, and that this was the weakest Australian team since then. No one anticipated Australia to lead 3-0 after three Tests. While we can critique England—and many have—it's also vital to offer substantial praise to Australia for their performance,” McGrath shared in a column for BBC Sport.

Nevertheless, McGrath asserts that the issue is not the quality of England's players but rather their mentality. The Australian legend praised captain Ben Stokes and Joe Root as two of the greatest of their generation, although they have yet to secure a Test victory in Australia.

“I don’t think England's long winless streak in Australia can be attributed to the caliber of their players. Consider all the athletes who have been part of England’s Ashes teams since their last win here—Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer—the list is extensive. Joe Root and Ben Stokes, the cornerstones of this current squad and two of the best ever to represent England, have never tasted victory in a Test match here. If this ongoing winless run is not due to talent, it must stem from mentality.

England's lower-order put up a commendable fight, especially wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith and all-rounder Brydon Carse. Their contributions sparked hopes of a miraculous turnaround, yet a disciplined Australian bowling unit maintained control, ensuring they kept hold of the urn. Smith (60), Will Jacks (47), and Brydon Carse (38 not out) provided some optimism for Ben Stokes' side after England reached 207-6 on Saturday. However, Mitchell Starc’s performance (3-62) brought Australia close to victory before Scott Boland took Josh Tongue's wicket, concluding England's innings at 352, chasing a record 435.

The upcoming Boxing Day Test at the MCG is set to commence on December 26, and McGrath has urged England to adjust their gameplay, foreseeing a formidable challenge for the visitors as they face a crowd of 100,000 spectators.

“Towards the end of the third Test, England at least showed a willingness to adapt, which allowed them to compete. The reason it took them two defeats to realize this remains a mystery. Nonetheless, the indicators for an enhanced performance in the fourth Test are promising.

“However, addressing the mentality, the situation will not improve for England. They are set to perform in front of 100,000 spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the majority of whom will undoubtedly support Australia. The Boxing Day Test is a hallmark of Australian sporting culture, and the atmosphere on Friday will be electric. It will be a challenging environment for English cricketers. England should welcome the challenge, respond positively, and enjoy the experience. This could impart valuable lessons for players returning to Australia in four years,” he concluded.