Can England Overcome Australia and Critics in Perth?
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Synopsis
As the Ashes series kicks off in Perth, England faces Australia in a high-stakes Test. With a long history of struggles in Australia, can Brendon McCullum's team finally break the curse and take the series lead? Tune in to witness a renewed rivalry filled with tension and excitement.
Key Takeaways
- Historic rivalry renewed in the Ashes series.
- England seeks to break a long-standing winless streak in Australia.
- Key players absent from the Australian lineup.
- Bazball approach changes traditional cricket dynamics.
- Live streaming available on JioHotstar.
New Delhi, Nov 20 (NationPress) The historic rivalry between Australia and England is set to reignite as they face off in the opening Test of the Ashes series at Optus Stadium in Perth. Early Friday morning, Brendon McCullum and his squad will embark on a mission that no England team has accomplished since the iconic year of 2011: winning the Ashes on Australian soil.
Since then, England has struggled to secure any Test victories in Australia, with many of their past tours over the last 15 years ending in crushing defeats.
However, with McCullum and Stokes at the helm, who have invested years in shaping their strategy, many feel this could be England's best shot at reclaiming the urn in years. Their approach focuses on aggressive batting, high release points, and fostering a positive team spirit.
For Australia, the primary objective is straightforward: winning is their utmost priority. Under newly appointed head coach, they have achieved 25 wins out of 41 Test matches, showcasing a significant improvement and reinforcing their commitment to excellence.
This phase may signal the end of an era for a team that has achieved almost all there is to accomplish in modern cricket, yet often feels undervalued in the grand narrative of the sport. A successful home series would serve as a fitting tribute to this accomplished squad.
Both teams are pioneers in the Bazball era, leading the global Test run-rate charts, although they are nearly a complete run apart. The success lies in the intricacies of their play. England has consistently challenged the long-held belief that playing the 'good' balls is essential.
The Bazball strategy has led English batsmen to average 28.26 while scoring 3.17 runs per over against well-placed good-length deliveries from fast bowlers, surpassing most of their competitors.
In terms of player availability, the hosts will miss key pacers Josh Hazlewood and regular captain Pat Cummins due to injuries. Conversely, England received a boost with Mark Wood cleared to participate in the first Test.
As both teams gear up and with Australia missing several frontline players, this presents a significant opportunity for England to take an early lead in the series.
Live Streaming Information:
The match will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network and available for streaming on the JioHotstar app and website in India.
Team Squads:
Australia XI for first Test: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland.
England XII for first Test: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Mark Wood.
Point of View
I believe this Ashes series presents an exciting opportunity for England to demonstrate their growth under McCullum and Stokes. Given their recent form and the absence of key Australian players, the dynamics of this match could shift the narrative. Regardless of the outcome, it's a thrilling chapter in cricket history that fans should closely follow.
NationPress
20/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Ashes series taking place?
The Ashes series is taking place at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia.
Who are the captains of the England and Australia teams?
Ben Stokes is the captain of the England team, while Steve Smith leads the Australian side.
What is the Bazball strategy?
Bazball is an aggressive style of play focused on scoring runs quickly and challenging traditional cricket norms.
How can I watch the match live?
The match will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network and can be streamed on the JioHotstar app and website in India.
Which players are missing from the Australian squad?
Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are missing from the Australian squad due to injuries.
