Australia great Glenn McGrath believes the form of England spearhead James Anderson could determine the course of the Ashes.
Australia holds the urn but heads into Thursday's opening Test at Edgbaston looking for its first series win in England since 2001.
Anderson, who turns 37 on Tuesday, has been battling to overcome a calf injury, but McGrath believes he could have a huge impact on the five-Test series if he stays fit.
“On home soil with the Dukes ball, he's the best in the world bowling in those conditions,” said McGrath.
“He is a big player and if he has a big series for England, Australia will find it tough. If Australia bats well and can get on top of him, that’ll make a massive impact on their chances.”
The 49-year-old McGrath, working with online trading broker ThinkMarkets to encourage more young people to get into sport, added: “Jimmy is on his way to 600 Test wickets, which is absolutely incredible.”
Anderson is now just 25 wickets shy of becoming the first fast bowler to take 600 in Tests, having surpassed former paceman McGrath’s haul of 563 against India last September.
“Jimmy’s got the record now and it won’t be beaten,” said McGrath. “For a fast bowler to beat whatever record he sets, they are going to have to play 150-plus Tests.”
