Glenn McGrath, a renowned cricket figure from Australia, has been excluded as a commentator by host broadcaster ABC due to his association with a betting company. McGrath, recognized as one of the most exceptional fast bowlers in cricket history, has been a prominent figure in recent Ashes events.
With 563 wickets in 124 Test matches for Australia, the 55-year-old McGrath has been a formidable opponent of England in the Ashes series. Having secured victory in six Ashes series with Australia, McGrath is expected to be present at the upcoming first Test in Perth.
Despite still having a role on the BBC Test Match Special, McGrath will not serve as a pundit and commentator for ABC. Initially featured in promotional material for ABC’s Ashes coverage, McGrath’s involvement has been terminated just before the series.
In a statement to The Guardian, ABC confirmed the mutual decision to part ways with McGrath for this Ashes series. The network expressed openness to future collaborations with McGrath while highlighting their current commentary team’s excitement for the upcoming test in Perth led by Jim Maxwell and Corbin Middlemas.
The decision to drop McGrath from ABC’s coverage stems from his upcoming partnership with the betting company Bet365, following a similar action taken against former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson.
McGrath will continue to play a significant role in the BBC’s coverage of the Ashes, including live radio commentary and highlight shows alongside Jonathan Agnew, Michael Vaughan, Simon Mann, Phil Tufnell, Alex Hartley, and Jim Maxwell.
In his trademark confident style, McGrath has boldly predicted a 5-0 victory for the home team in the upcoming Ashes series. England’s recent struggles in the Ashes, not securing a series win since 2015 and failing to win a test in Australia since 2010-11, have reinforced McGrath’s optimistic outlook for the Australian team’s performance.