How can England make early inroads to win the Ashes?
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Synopsis
Ravi Shastri emphasizes the importance of early victories for England to succeed in the Ashes series. With insights on squad dynamics and the current state of Australian cricket, Shastri provides a compelling look at the challenges facing the England team as they aim to break their long-standing Ashes drought.
Key Takeaways
- Early Wins are crucial for England.
- Australia's captain Pat Cummins is injured.
- Steve Smith will lead Australia in his absence.
- Xavier Bartlett was surprisingly not selected.
- Conditions in Perth will test England's resilience.
New Delhi, Nov 7 (NationPress) Ravi Shastri, the former India cricketer and coach, has offered strategic insights for England to secure victory in the Ashes. He emphasized that the team, led by Ben Stokes, must establish a strong early presence and achieve wins at the outset of the series.
Since 2015, England has struggled in the Ashes, with the last two series in 2019 and 2023 concluding in a 2-2 stalemate. Their last Test win on Australian soil dates back to 2011. The last time England claimed the Ashes was in the 2015 series held in England, while their most recent victory in Australia was during the 2010-11 series, where they triumphed 3-1.
Shastri, who coached India from 2017 to 2021, possesses valuable experience in achieving success in Australia, having led India to a historic Test series win there.
He stated, "In the long run, England will rise to the challenge. They have faced significant defeats in their recent series in Australia. However, if their fast bowlers are in top shape for the initial three Tests, they can make significant strides," Shastri shared during the SENQ Breakfast.
With Australia set to start the Ashes series without their injured captain Pat Cummins, who is replaced by Steve Smith, Shastri sees this as a prime opportunity for England to excel.
"Their greatest opportunity arises in Cummins' absence, which should lead to an improved performance from England, but they must adapt quickly," he noted.
Shastri expressed surprise at the omission of fast bowler Xavier Bartlett from Australia's 15-man squad for the first Test of the Ashes.
The 26-year-old Bartlett made his international debut in February and has had a promising start, averaging 11 with the ball in five ODIs. He was considered a potential Test player for the national side.
“Upon seeing the squad announcement, I anticipated Xavier Bartlett would be included. Nonetheless, Australia still fields a formidable bowling lineup, and the conditions in Perth will pose challenges for England,” Shastri added.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of Shastri's insights amidst a changing cricket landscape. With historical context and current challenges, England's quest for the Ashes is not just a game; it's a moment of national pride and resilience.
NationPress
07/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ravi Shastri advise for England's Ashes strategy?
Ravi Shastri advised that England needs to secure early victories to set the tone for the series.
When did England last win the Ashes?
England last won the Ashes in 2015.
What is significant about the absence of Pat Cummins?
Pat Cummins' absence creates a strategic advantage for England, as highlighted by Shastri.
Who is Xavier Bartlett?
Xavier Bartlett is a fast bowler who made his international debut for Australia in February.
What challenges does England face in Australia?
England faces tough conditions and a strong Australian bowling attack, particularly in Perth.
