Win Projections to be updated soon
By Sir Geoffrey Boycott for Telegraph
London, 10 November 2025:
England enter this month’s Ashes series in Australia with their best opportunity in years to win away from home. Several factors are working in their favor, and there will be no excuses if they fall short.
Australia have been hit hard by captain Pat Cummins’ injury. England also avoid their traditional stumbling block at the Gabba, starting instead in Perth. The new Perth Stadium pitch is less fast and bouncy than the old WACA surface, and Australia’s batting lineup looks unsettled.
Marnus Labuschagne has struggled this year, Usman Khawaja is 38, and selectors remain uncertain about his opening partner. Without Cummins, Australia lose both a key bowler and their leader.
Still, England must perform well as a team. Fast bowlers Mark Wood and Jofra Archer will be crucial, but captain Ben Stokes must manage their workloads carefully. Both have fragile injury histories and should be used in short, high-impact spells.
Crawley, Root Under Spotlight
Opener Zak Crawley has been inconsistent but was retained for his potential on Australian pitches. This tour could define his future in the side. Joe Root’s runs remain essential. Despite nine fifties in 14 Tests in Australia, Root has never scored a century there. If England are to win, he must produce at least one match-winning hundred.
Preparation Concerns
England’s build-up has been limited. If they win, it will be despite their preparation, not because of it. Match practice sharpens skills, and past players know competitive games are the best preparation for an Ashes series. Modern methods have moved away from that, often to the team’s detriment.
Australia Still Dangerous
Australia’s bowling remains world-class. Josh Hazlewood offers accuracy and bounce, Mitchell Starc adds left-arm pace and angle, and Nathan Lyon provides control and turn. Their batting still depends heavily on Steve Smith and Travis Head. The rest of the order lacks consistency.
England must avoid batting collapses. Australia thrive when ahead; once they take control, they rarely let go. But if England can gain momentum early, the pressure shifts. Australian teams, and their media, dislike losing – especially to England.
Mental Battle Ahead
Touring Australia is as much a mental test as a physical one. Crowds are vocal and unforgiving, and players near the boundary often face abuse. The local press can also be relentless, already targeting Stokes. England’s players must block out the noise and stay composed.
Managing Workloads
Five Tests in 48 days will test every player’s stamina. Rotating fast bowlers and wicketkeepers will be essential. The temptation to play the strongest XI every match must be resisted. Resting key players will keep them fresh and effective in Australian heat.
Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith showed signs of fatigue during England’s home summer. Another option, Ollie Pope, can share duties. Pope’s aggressive style is entertaining, but he needs a tighter defense against the new ball. Against high-quality attacks, shot selection and patience matter more than flair.
Strong Starts Key
England’s openers will set the tone. When England have won in Australia, strong starts have been decisive. Ben Duckett and Crawley like to attack, but discipline will be crucial. Duckett thrives on width, so Australia will likely bowl straighter. Crawley plays better on quicker pitches but remains technically inconsistent.
Their partnership, averaging 46.5, will be vital. Early wickets could expose the middle order; solid starts will give England control.
