Australian cricket great Glenn McGrath has held his tongue firmly in cheek to once again predict England will suffer a 5-0 whitewash in the Ashes this summer.

Almost as famous for his prediction as his stellar career, the fast bowler has been on the money — or very close to it — more often than not.

England have lost 5-0 or 4-0 in all but one series in Australia since 2002-03, their last Test win coming in 2010-11 when they claimed a 3-1 series triumph.

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The shocking run is not lost on England, either, with captain Ben Stokes avoiding talking about the Ashes for much of this year.

But he now believes they are up for the fight after their 2-2 draw with India after a dramatic five-match series at home.

“The way in which we’ve been able to perform throughout the series, I’m looking forward to getting to Australia and doing what we want to go out there and do,” Stokes said.

But for all the ‘Bazball’ heroics McGrath, as usual, has declared nothing will change.

“It’s very rare for me to make a prediction, isn’t it? And I can’t make a different one — 5-0,” McGrath told the BBC.

“I’m very confident with our team. When you’ve got Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon firing in their home conditions, it’s going to be pretty tough.

“Plus, that track record that England have had, it’d be interesting to see if they can win a Test.

“Last series was 4-0 and it’s been a while since England have won a Test match (in Australia). The Aussies will be keen to keep that going.”

McGrath laughed through the prediction and later said he was well aware of “issues” with Australia’s batting line-up.

Yet he believes England’s hopes rest on their batting line-up against the Aussie attack.

Joe Root has never scored a Test century in Australia but is still firing elsewhere at 34 years old, well supported by Harry Brook, who has yet to play in an away Ashes series.

“This series will be a big one for Root,” McGrath said.

“He’s never really done that well in Australia, he’s not even got a 100 over there, so he’ll be keen to get out there. He’s in fine form.

“Brook’s the one that I’ve enjoyed watching. He just goes out there, plays his game, and takes it on. The Australians will need to get on him pretty early.”

Meanwhile, McGrath suggested the Ashes could also expose the team’s Bazball approach under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.

“I love seeing sportspeople go out there and play without fear, “ he said.

“That’s what Baz is looking to bring into this England team — play without fear.

“I’d like to see a bit more accountability and the mental side of the game, just them switched on a bit more. It’s exciting.”

England will arrive in Australia in early November before the first Test in Perth on November 21.

The series then moves to Brisbane for a day-night Test from December 4, after which Adelaide will host its first day Ashes Test since 2013 from December 17.

A short break follows before the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and New Year’s Test in Sydney (January 4).

The Ashes will be live and free on Channel 7 and 7plus Sport, complete with on-demand replays, minis and highlights.