Legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath will not be part of the commentary team for the 2025–26 Ashes series, beginning November 21 in Perth. The 55-year-old, who has been a long-standing voice in ABC’s cricket coverage, was removed from the commentary panel after the broadcaster learned about his new commercial partnership with global betting company Bet365.

The ABC follows one of the strictest editorial and ethical policies among broadcasters, prohibiting all its presenters—across both news and sport—from being associated with wagering organisations. Once McGrath’s upcoming commercial appearance for Bet365, alongside fellow Australian great Ricky Ponting, came to light, the decision was made swiftly. In a brief statement, the national broadcaster confirmed that both parties “mutually decided” to part ways for this Ashes summer.

“We’ve mutually decided Glenn won’t be part of our coverage this summer,” the ABC said. “We hope to see him around the grounds and remain open to working with him again. Our commentary group, headed by Jim Maxwell and Corbin Middlemas, is set for the opening Test in Perth.”

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McGrath, who has been one of the marquee voices in ABC’s Ashes coverage for years, has worked with Bet365 before through the McGrath Foundation’s corporate partnerships. However, the current deal is a separate commercial engagement, leaving the broadcaster with no option under its guidelines.

ABC absolutely correct in dropping Glenn McGrath from its commentary team for being a betting company ambassador

If Albo doesn’t want to be disingenuous about his disdain for gambling Ads, he should make a point of upping the ABC sport talent budget. Reality pic.twitter.com/shWVjDj4hv

— ralph horowitz (@rtralphy) November 19, 2025

The move mirrors a similar incident from 2022, when ABC dropped former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson for signing with Bet Nation. At the time, Johnson publicly questioned the broadcaster’s stance and its moral thresholds. While McGrath’s exit dominated headlines, England also made news by announcing their 12-man squad for the first Ashes Test.

Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has been included alongside four frontline quicks, giving the visitors flexibility ahead of a potentially lively Perth pitch. Mark Wood, who sparked concern after a minor injury scare last week, bowled a sharp 40-minute spell in the nets on Tuesday, proving his fitness. However, the final XI is likely to be confirmed closer to the toss.

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England have opted to omit Josh Tongue, instead backing Brydon Carse, while Ollie Pope retains his No. 3 spot ahead of Jacob Bethell. If conditions favour a full-throttle pace attack, England could unleash Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Carse—four bowlers capable of consistently touching the 90-mph mark—setting the stage for a fiery opening to the Ashes summer.