Key Highlights
- The 2025 Ashes series is set to begin on November 19 with the first Test in Perth.
- Australia’s pace attack, led by Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, will be significantly weakened without these players for at least part of the series.
- England’s opening batsmen, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, have been performing well together but face challenges against Australia’s all-left-handed opening combo.
- Australia holds a clear advantage in spin bowling with Nathan Lyon as their primary spinner.
Approaching Ashes: The 2025 Series Begins
The 2025 Ashes series, the oldest international cricket rivalry, is set to commence on November 19. England’s first Test against Australia in Perth will kick off the much-anticipated confrontation between these two cricket powerhouses.
Challenges for Australia’s Pace Attack
Australia faces a significant challenge with its pace attack, particularly with key players Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sidelined due to injuries. These two bowlers were part of the ‘big three’ who combined for 81% of Australia’s wickets in home Tests since 2017-18. Their absence could significantly impact Australia’s bowling lineup.
While Scott Boland, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, and James Pattinson have stepped up to fill the gap, they are not as consistent or as impactful as Cummins and Hazlewood.
The last time Australia went without these two players was in 2012 when they lost a Test match. Since then, they have won by a combined margin of 694 runs across their home Tests against England.
England’s Opening Batsmen in Focus
The opening partnership between England’s Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley has been highly successful since the end of 2022. Their batting combination is one of the most productive in the world, having scored more runs together than any other pair at the top of the order. However, they will face new challenges against Australia’s all-left-handed opening batsmen, set to debut with Jake Weatherald.
Crawley’s game has thrived under fast bowling conditions, a trait that could be pivotal for England during this series. The Kent player will need to adapt as he faces the likes of Jofra Archer, who is known for his left-arm action and ability to target left-handed batsmen.
The Spin War: Australia’s Superiority
In a traditionally batting-friendly environment like Australia, spin bowling holds significant importance. Nathan Lyon, with 562 Test wickets, is one of the finest finger-spinners in cricket history. However, his effectiveness has been hampered by physical issues and the reduced time he can spend on the pitch due to Australia’s fast-paced Tests.
Australia’s top three batsmen have struggled, averaging a collective 25.37 in their last seven Tests.
This statistic is lower than only Zimbabwe and West Indies’ averages during this period. The opening pair of England faces particular challenges with David Warner’s retirement leaving a significant gap at the top.
Historical Venues and Schedule
The series will follow a familiar route, starting in Perth where England has struggled historically. Brisbane’s Gabba is next on the schedule, followed by Adelaide’s day-night Test venue, which Australia is unaccustomed to using. The re-jigged schedule provides England with an opportunity to start their away campaign without historical baggage and potentially gain valuable practice.
Every Ashes series carries its unique challenges, and 2025 will be no different. With the first Test only two days away, both teams are preparing for a grueling contest that could determine the future of cricket’s most famous rivalry.
