McGrath predicts Ashes whitewash

Former Australia paceman Glenn McGrath has repeated his bold proclamation of four years ago to claim Australia will win the Ashes in a 5-0 whitewash.

McGrath famously made a similar prediction on the eve of the 2005 series, but his own ankle injury contributed to Australia's downfall as England edged a dramatic series 2-1. However, he has not been put off, and told The Australian newspaper he believes that Ricky Ponting's side will only be denied a whitewash if the weather intervenes.

"My prediction is it will be 5-0 to Australia," said McGrath, who played in the 5-0 Ashes whitewash over England in Australia in 2007 before retiring.

"I've got total confidence in the boys, especially watching the way they played in South Africa in the last Test series.

"I thought that would have given them a lot of confidence. They showed what they can do and the huge potential that they've got.

"If they can do the same here and maybe even improve in one or two areas they will do really well and probably win 5-0."

McGrath, who has been drafted into the Australia camp to help the fast bowlers, was speaking before it was confirmed that the tourists' most experienced paceman, Brett Lee, will miss the first two Tests with a torn rib muscle.