Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath has predictably criticised England’s top order ahead of the first Ashes Test, which will get under way at Edgbaston on Thursday.

The inexperienced Jason Roy and Rory Burns, who share just eight Tests, will likely open the batting in Birmingham. Captain Joe Root will probably bat in third position despite a preference for fourth.

‘England’s recent batting in Test cricket hasn’t been great. Just last week, they were bowled out for 85 by Ireland. Root is a quality player at number four, but those coming in ahead of him haven’t been settled for some time,’ McGrath wrote in a column for the BBC.

‘In the past, I bowled at players like Michael Atherton, Alec Stewart, Nasser Hussain, Michael Vaughan and Marcus Trescothick, but England do not have a top order that has been successful Test after Test, series after series.

‘For that reason, I’d be champing at the bit to get the first Test started, hoping to begin well, because that can be 75 percent of the battle.’

Australia’s 17-man squad features batsmen Steven Smith, Cameron Bancroft and David Warner. The three are in contention for a Test return, after last year’s involvement in the ball-tampering scandal that marred Australia’s tour of South Africa.

‘Like England, Australia will have to find a way to score runs and, in their bid to do that, they could reunite Smith, Warner and Bancroft,’ added McGrath.

‘For Smith and Warner, this was always going to be their first opportunity to play Test cricket, while Bancroft, whose ban was shorter, has earned his chance. Smith and Warner got a taste of the reception they will receive at Edgbaston during the World Cup.’

Photo: Getty Images