Will England Secure a 3-2 or 3-1 Victory? Panesar's Bold Ashes Prediction Ahead of Opener
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Synopsis
Monty Panesar predicts an exciting Ashes series, claiming England has what it takes to win back the trophy after 15 years. If Ben Stokes and his team triumph in the opening match, the series could swing in their favor. Delve into Panesar's insights on the current squad's potential against Australia.
Key Takeaways
- Monty Panesar predicts a close Ashes series.
- Victory in the first Test is crucial for England.
- Australia faces injury challenges.
- Shoaib Bashir is a promising young talent.
- The first Test kicks off in Perth.
New Delhi, Nov 18 (NationPress) Former England spinner Monty Panesar expressed strong confidence in his nation's ability to win back the Ashes in Australia for the first time in 15 years. He stated that Ben Stokes and his team can claim the series if they secure victory in the opening Test in Perth.
Having participated in England’s previous Ashes tours in 2006–07 and 2013–14, Panesar believes that the current squad is significantly more capable than those that suffered a 5–0 whitewash in Australia.
Despite Australia’s unbeaten streak at home against England since 2011, Panesar feels the visiting team has a slight advantage due to the hosts’ increasing injury issues.
“When you examine Australia, there’s no Pat Cummins and no Josh Hazlewood. They’ve brought in a replacement for David Warner, but his performance remains uncertain,” Panesar remarked.
“In recent years, Usman Khawaja has not performed well, to be fair. So, I genuinely believe England holds the advantage here; if they manage to win the first Test, they can take the series,” he added, speaking on SENWA Breakfast.
While Australia features Nathan Lyon, who has an impressive 562 Test wickets, Panesar is optimistic about 22-year-old English spinner Shoaib Bashir, suggesting he could outshine the veteran on home soil, even though Bashir has only captured 68 Test wickets with an average of 39.
“I foresee England triumphing in Brisbane, while Adelaide may go to Australia, and Melbourne could also lean towards Australia. If the series stands at two-all heading into Sydney, it will become a contest of spin bowlers. Who knows, it might just be Shoaib Bashir who shines in that scenario. Therefore, I predict a final score of either 3-2 or 3-1 in favor of England,” he concluded.
The first Test match between Australia and England kicks off in Perth on Friday.
Point of View
It’s crucial to recognize the significance of this Ashes series for England. With Monty Panesar's insights, we see a blend of optimism and realism regarding the current squad's capabilities against Australia. As always, we aim to support our national team while providing unbiased coverage of sports events.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Monty Panesar predict for the Ashes series?
Monty Panesar predicts that England could win the series with a score of 3-2 or 3-1, depending on their performance in the first Test match.
What is the significance of the first Test in Perth?
The first Test is crucial as Panesar believes that if England wins, it will set the tone for the entire series, giving them a significant advantage.
How have injuries affected Australia's squad?
Australia's lack of key players like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood due to injuries could impact their performance in the series.
Who is Shoaib Bashir?
Shoaib Bashir is a young English spinner predicted by Panesar to potentially outshine Nathan Lyon during the series.
When does the first Test match begin?
The first Test match between Australia and England is scheduled to start in Perth on Friday.
