‘We’re ready to celebrate’

Julian Linden

Fast bowler Glenn McGrath said Australia were getting ready to celebrate regaining the Ashes with just five wickets needed to wrap up the series.

McGrath dismissed defiant opener Alastair Cook then nightwatchman Matthew Hoggard just before stumps on Sunday to leave Australia poised to win the third Test on the last day on Monday.

England would need to bat through the final day to salvage a draw or pull off a miracle to win after slumping to 265 for five chasing 557 to win. But McGrath said the Australians were confident of finishing off the tourists on Monday to take an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match series and regain the Ashes they lost last year.

“As soon as that last wicket falls, hopefully at some stage tomorrow, then we can start celebrating and the Ashes will be back home,” McGrath told a news conference after the fourth day at the WACA. When stumps were drawn on Sunday night, Kevin Pietersen was unbeaten on 37 with Andrew Flintoff on two with only wicketkeeper Geraint Jones and the bowlers to come. McGrath said Australia knew they still had their work cut out getting the next two wickets but were confident of polishing off the tail once they made the breakthrough.

“If we can get some early wickets, then hopefully we can wrap it up,” McGrath said.