'Would like to see some emotion out in the middle' - Glenn McGrath blames T20 leagues for weakening intensity around Ashes

Australia has dominated the proceedings in both the Tests to take a lead of 2-0 in the Ashes. However according to former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath there has been a lack of aggression from the visitors in the series. When the two sides lock horns with each other for the highly anticipated series, the excitement is already at the crescendo.

However, McGrath pointed that it will be great if one gets to witness an intense battle in the third Test instead of “political correctness”. England has outplayed Australia in all three departments to blow the trumpet of their repertoire. The former cricketer recounted his playing days and shed light on how things were back then.

“It can be a little bit too nice sometimes. That’s the way everything’s going, isn’t it? There’s a lot of political correctness. People are a bit nervous about being aggressive and playing hard. I remember, when Nasser Hussain came out here with England, they weren’t even allowed to talk to us or say ‘G’day.

Every time you hear one of the English or Australian players interviewed, they use a nickname. Broady, Jimmy, Kez. I was asking the other day, ‘Who’s Kez?’ ‘Oh, Alex Carey.’ They’re a lot more familiar with each other than we were when I played,” McGrath was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.

With the IPL and the Big Bash, these players know one another well: Glenn McGrath

He feels that owing to the IPL and BBL the players have developed a good bond amongst them. However, he also reckoned that this in a way has affected the body language of the players on the field. McGrath further pointed that he would like to see more emotion from both sides on the field when they face each other for the Boxing Day Test.

“It’s all about body language. How much does it mean, representing your country? England has to go back to the drawing board and have a real good think about this. With the IPL and the Big Bash, these players know one another well. You see batsmen and bowlers joking around. I’d like to see some emotion out in the middle

I’d love there to be more of a battle. Australia isn’t going to take their foot off the throttle, now that they have Pat Cummins coming back. James Anderson looks like he’s down on pace, and the ball’s not swinging. This could get pretty ugly very quickly,” McGrath added.