Glenn McGrath urges Australia to copy England’s ‘Bazball’ style to win the Ashes

“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.”

McGrath also suggested England could have won the Old Trafford 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.”

Taking a sly dig on England skipper Ben Stokes, McGrath said that this team can became 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 added.