The countdown to another Ashes begins on Friday in Perth, and as usual we’re promised fireworks. England have not won a Test in Australia since early 2011, yet they arrive talking up an aggressive style and armed with what they believe is the quickest attack they have ever taken Down Under.
Is that enough? Let’s deal with the essentials first.
Why all the noise this time?
The rivalry needs little help, but two things have sharpened focus. First, England’s adoption of an ultra-positive method – nicknamed “Bazball” – has convinced many they will attack in ways previous touring parties simply did not. Second, the 2023 series in England finished 2-2 and then descended into arguments about “moral victories”; both camps now think there’s unfinished business.
England’s record in Australia – played 15, won none, lost 13 on their last three tours – is grim. Yet supporters point to that 2023 comeback from 0-2 and the new-ball pace stock as reasons to dream.
Australia favourites – on paper at least
The hosts have won five of their last seven Test series and haven’t lost one at home since India’s triumph in 2020-21. Still, there are cracks. Pat Cummins is ruled out of the opener with a back issue and Josh Hazlewood’s hamstring means two-thirds of the “big three” seamers are missing. That hands opportunities to Scott Boland, whose home average is a scarcely believable 12.63, and to the patient Brendan Doggett, waiting years for his first “baggy green” – the Australian Test cap.
Michael Clarke, speaking on the Around The Wicket podcast, summed up domestic excitement around yet another debutant. “Weatherald has earned the right to play Test cricket,” he said, praising the left-hander’s weight of Sheffield Shield runs.
Age profile adds intrigue
All but one member of Australia’s squad is past 30, prompting questions about future planning. Usman Khawaja, now 39, is under scrutiny at the top of the order, even before a ball has been bowled.
England, by contrast, have tried to freshen things up. Mark Wood, Jofra Archer and newcomer John Turner provide searing pace, while Ollie Robinson offers accuracy and Stuart Broad returns for a final crack at a ground where he has rarely prospered. It remains theory until they do it on the fastest surface in the country, but captain Ben Stokes insists they will “keep swinging”.
Can England really “Bazball” at Perth?
The WACA’s replacement, Optus Stadium, still rewards fast bowling and brave batting. England’s Ashes strategy under Brendon McCullum remains straightforward: score quickly, pry out wickets by attacking fields, and trust the method even when momentum shifts. Critics fear a repeat of 2013-14’s collapse; supporters see a chance to make 400 in four sessions, something rarely attempted by previous England teams here.
Balanced view on conditions
English quicks like Wood have the pace that traditionally thrives in Perth’s heat, but they must adapt lengths; bounce is truer and fuller deliveries often fly harmlessly through. Likewise, Australia’s bowlers, even without Cummins and Hazlewood, will fancy rolling through a batting line-up predisposed to risk.
Key match-ups
• Steve Smith versus Wood and Archer: Smith’s back-and-across shuffle has frustrated bowlers for a decade, yet genuine 150kph pace can hurry him.
• Khawaja against the moving ball: If Robinson nibbles it early, Australia’s fragile opening slot might be exposed.
• Stokes v Boland: Perth bounce meets Stokes’s penchant for the pull. One mistimed shot could swing a session.
Expert view
Former captain Nasser Hussain told Sky Sports: “England have talked a good game, but Australia in Australia is the ultimate examination. If the bowlers stay fit there’s a path – a narrow one – to an upset.”
What must go right for England
1. Early wickets. Removing Smith and Marnus Labuschagne before lunch gives the tourists space to attack.
2. Heavy first-innings runs. Scores of 120-3 often turn to 220 all out in Australia; England need to turn them into 400+.
3. Fitness. Wood and Archer carry lengthy injury histories. Lose either and the pace edge disappears.
What could derail Australia
• Top-order uncertainty. A debutant opener plus an ageing partner is an obvious target.
• Overreliance on Boland. Without Cummins and Hazlewood, the back-up brigade cannot afford an off day.
• Underestimating England’s intent. Perth crowds have watched many sides go into their shell; this one probably won’t.
Final thought
Australia deserve favouritism, yet the gap feels smaller than in 2021-22’s Covid-shadowed series. England’s ambition will delight neutrals and unnerve traditionalists. Whether that translates into victories remains to be seen, but at least the storylines promise intrigue beyond the usual sunburn, short balls and broken English hearts.
