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Former Australia cricketer Ian Chappell believed that England will be formidable opponents in the Ashes 2025-26 series if key factors align in their favor. According to Chappell, England possesses the necessary tools to challenge Australia on their home turf, but they need to perform cohesively.
Historic Ashes rivalry between England and Australia
Ben Stokes’ English team is set to face Australia in the highly anticipated Ashes Test series in 2025. After a thrilling 2-2 series draw in England in 2023, Stokes and his team are determined to reclaim the Ashes urn, which Australia have held since 2015. The last two Ashes series on English soil ended in 2-2 draws, while Australia have dominated on their home ground. Since 2015, Australia have won both home series, both times with a commanding 4-0 victory. The upcoming 2025 Ashes will be played in Australia, presenting a significant challenge for England. Considering England’s recent form in Tests in Australia, Stokes faces a daunting task in his quest to bring the Ashes back home.
Ian Chappell’s list of England players who could challenge Australia
In his column for ESPNCricinfo, Chappell praised England’s strong and aggressive batting line-up. He highlighted the contributions of the team’s latest batting sensation, Jamie Smith, who has been exceptional in the Test series against West Indies. Chappell also commended Zak Crawley and Harry Brook for their aggressive play, as well as the experience and reliability of Joe Root, England’s No. 1 batter. Chappell believed that if these players fire together, they can significantly trouble Australia.
“England has an attacking batting line-up, which they’ve bolstered with the inclusion of a solid wicketkeeper-batter in Jamie Smith. The players who could cause Australia concern are Joe Root for his sheer ability, and Zak Crawley and Harry Brook because of their aggression and capacity to score quickly. If Stokes recaptures his batting form he would fall into that category, especially as he’s bowling again and taking important wickets,” Chappell wrote.
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Crucial area of concern
Chappell emphasized England’s potent pace attack, featuring the addition of Gus Atkinson and a fit Jofra Archer. He emphasized this formidable combination can pose serious challenges to the Australian batters. However, Chappell also pointed out a crucial area of concern for England – their difficulty in dismissing lower-order batters quickly, which has led to conceding significant runs.
“Choosing the right type of player to succeed in Australia is imperative. However, the only way England can win a tough series is if their fast bowlers perform and they hold their chances. A strong England side to tour Australia would include a fit Atkinson, Wood, and hopefully Jofra Archer, to ensure the seam bowlers are complemented by fast men. The Australian batting is vulnerable, especially without the aggressive opening talents of David Warner,” the 80-year-old added.
“In addition to catching well, the England team has to learn to dismiss the lower order cheaply. Despite having an excellent attacking captain – the right leader for an Australia tour – England’s record against lower-order batters is often abysmal,” Chappell concluded.
