Win Projections to be updated soon
Sydney, 5 November 2025:
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh expects selectors to take a conservative approach with their batting order for the upcoming Ashes series, backing a settled top three of Matt Renshaw, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne for the opening Test in Perth.
“I think it’s reasonably predictable. Australia will play it pretty safe with the top of the order,” Waugh said. “There’s been a lot of conjecture around that for a couple of months and it’s probably been a bit unsettling not to have a settled lineup.”
Waugh said he felt for Sam Konstas, who has been in and out of the side.
“He reminds me a bit of myself when I first started lacking confidence, up and down in form, not quite sure of his place. He probably needs some time to rebuild that confidence,” Waugh said.
Waugh also praised Jake Weatherald’s domestic form, saying he “probably deserves a spot,” but predicted selectors would value stability early in the series.
“Particularly for a first Ashes Test, Australia will play it safe,” he said. “Bo Webster could be really unlucky if he misses out. He’s been excellent since he came in and adds real value as a slip catcher, which will be crucial. I think the best fielding side will win the Ashes this year.”
Asked why he favoured Renshaw, Waugh said, “He did really well when he played Test cricket before and was unlucky to be dropped. He’s scored 180 in Tests, seems comfortable in his own skin and is in good form. Along with Khawaja and Labuschagne, that’s a solid top three.”
Waugh added that moving players out of position in an Ashes opener would be risky.
“You don’t want to experiment with the opening slot in a big series,” he said. “England have a strong attack and have been preparing for this for a long time, so you need specialist openers.”
Reflecting on Konstas’ struggles, Waugh advised him to simplify things.
“Don’t listen to everyone, trust one or two people around you, go back to basics,” he said. “It’s hard to learn how to play Test cricket while you’re playing it. Go back to Sheffield Shield cricket, bat long, get to know your game.”
Waugh said Australia’s preparation without a full tour match wasn’t ideal but acknowledged modern schedules.
“I’m a bit of a dinosaur, we used to play a lot before the first Test,” he said with a laugh. “But as long as their internal warm-up is intense and played like a Test match, it’s fine.”
On the balance of the side, Waugh said he expected all-rounder Cameron Green to bat down the order.
“He’s definitely got the technique, but probably goes at the ball a bit hard for the top three. He’s a quality player and potentially our best allrounder in a long time,” Waugh said. “But you can’t expect him to bowl 10 or 15 overs straight away after injury.”
Turning to England, Waugh said the visitors looked well prepared.
“They’ve got match-winning bowlers in Jofra Archer and Mark Wood and I think Ben Stokes is actually their best bowler,” Waugh said. “Their one weakness might be spin, though Joe Root is better than most people think with the ball.”
He cautioned that conditions in Australia will still test them.
“They’ve got to take 20 wickets here, and that’s never easy,” he said. “The crowds are intense, and England haven’t had a great record in Australia over the last 20 years.”
Waugh credited England for making Test cricket more entertaining.
“They’ve made it great to watch,” he said. “I’m not sure they’ve changed Test cricket, but they’ve made it very watchable.”
On Australia’s bowling depth, Waugh said injuries will make rotation inevitable.
“Fast bowlers rarely get through five Tests in a row these days,” he said. “They’ll need depth, and guys like Xavier Bartlett will get their chance.”
He praised captaincy backup Steve Smith, calling him a “relaxed and instinctive” leader.
“Smith is a very good captain now, probably better than when he was full-time,” Waugh said. “But losing Pat Cummins is a big blow—he’s our most reliable bowler, a genuine match-winner.”
Waugh urged chief selector George Bailey to make firm decisions during what he called a “natural transition.”
“Some bowlers are in their 30s, and a few batsmen are getting on too,” he said. “It’s important that not everyone leaves at once. The selectors need to pick the sides, not the players.”
Asked about Cummins’ return from injury, Waugh said he would want to play as soon as possible.
“If I were him, I’d get back as quick as I can,” he said. “You never know when your last Test will be.”
Looking ahead, Waugh tipped a close contest.
“I think it’ll come down to Sydney and could be one of the best Ashes series we’ve seen in a long time,” he said. “Both sides are strong, and injuries could be the difference. But my tip—whoever catches best will win the Ashes.”
Waugh also welcomed the Ashes Trophy’s public tour across Australia.
“It’s great that people can connect to it,” he said. “For Australians, the Ashes is still the premier prize in Test cricket. Letting people touch it and feel part of it keeps that tradition alive.”
