"But if Australia have ever been there for the taking, it is now. Looking at how the two sides are shaping up before the opening game I feel punchy about England's chances: the team are strong, settled, and I think that if Ben Stokes plays all five Tests they will win the Ashes and win them comfortably. I can't remember ever being so confident before an away Ashes."
"I can't remember seeing an Australia side in such disarray: it looks like a 31-year-old debutant will open the batting alongside a 38yearold in decline; the absence of Cummins means they are without their hugely influential captain, an excellent bowler who can bat, a leader who sets the tone for the side; and now they have also lost Hazlewood, their Mr Consistent, who rarely leaks runs, who gives them control."
England enter the Ashes with a strong, settled side and a deep seam attack, reinforced by a top-seven that has considerable recent Test experience and runs. Ben Stokes' availability for all five Tests is pivotal to England's prospects. Australia will be without Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in Perth, leaving leadership, bowling and control weakened. Australia appear in transition with inexperienced or ageing batters and increased reliance on Mitchell Starc. Questions over workload and durability for returning bowlers raise doubts about Australia's ability to sustain pressure across both innings.
Read at www.theguardian.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]