Former Australia cricketer Ian Chappell believes England could be a formidable opponent in the 2025-26 Ashes series if conditions favor them. Chappell suggests that England has the capability to challenge Australia in their own backyard, but they need to perform cohesively.
Ahead of the first Test between England and the West Indies, England captain Ben Stokes emphasized the need for his team to prepare for a victorious Ashes series in Australia in 2025-26. Stokes stressed that England’s goal should be not only to compete but to defeat Australia.
Ian Chappell warns Australia ahead of 2025-26 Ashes
In his column for ESPNCricinfo, Ian Chappell reckoned that England have a strong batting line-up with lots of aggression. He also lauded the team’s latest batting sensation Jamie Smith, who has been exceptional in the Test series against West Indies so far.
The former Australia batter also hailed Zak Crawley and Harry Brook for their ability to play with aggression alongside the team’s No. 1 batter Joe Root for his experience and ability.
“England has an attacking batting line-up, which they’ve bolstered with the inclusion of a solid wicketkeeper-batter in Jamie Smith. The players who could cause Australia concern are Joe Root for his sheer ability, and Zak Crawley and Harry Brook because of their aggression and capacity to score quickly. If Stokes recaptures his batting form he would fall into that category, especially as he’s bowling again and taking important wickets,” Chappell wrote in his column.
Joe Root recently made it to the list of top 7 run-getters in Test cricket. In the current generation, he is already the highest run-scorer in this format with 12027 runs at an average of 50.11. Meanwhile, Jamie Smith has made a superb entry into international cricket. He has been safe behind the stumps and scored a crucial 95 in the third Test when his team was under pressure.
“England is more accomplished than the inexperienced West Indies” – Ian Chappell
Chappell also felt that if England can have all their fast bowlers fit, they will pose a big challenge. According to him, England is a more accomplished Test team than West Indies. In January 2024, West Indies handed out a shocking defeat in a Test match to Australia at Gabba. The match turned out to be a thriller as West Indies won the match by 8 runs and drew the Test series 1-1.
“If Stokes is fortunate enough to have a full contingent of fit fast bowlers in Australia, this will be a confidence booster. However, he needs to make dismissing lower-order opponents via good bowling a priority rather than relying on incessant overuse of a bouncer barrage. It’s one thing to know England is more accomplished than the inexperienced West Indies and that sooner or later they’ll wilt,” he added.
Chappell also feels that England will need to hold on to the catches if they want to win a Test series in Australia. “Choosing the right type of player to succeed in Australia is imperative. However, the only way England can win a tough series is if their fast bowlers perform and they hold their chances,” he wrote.
England are currently playing West Indies in a home Test series. Ben Stokes and his men are already 2-0 up in the three-match series with the third Test going currently.
