The 2025-26 Ashes is fast approaching. Today, we discuss the five key points which could determine the outcome of the Series.
Ashes 2025: Keeping Smith Quiet
Embed from Getty ImagesThe number four-ranked batter in the world has given the England bowlers a torrid time in the field. According to CricMetric.com, 3,417 of his 10,477 runs have come against them, at an average of 56.
The main reason for this is his unusual, crab-like technique, where his pads cover the stumps as he walks across them.
One of the things that has troubled him in the past has been the pace of Jofra Archer, who gave him some trouble in his debut Series in 2019.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlthough Archer has yet to dismiss him in tests, the bouncer he received from the six-foot pacer may be an inclination for England to go at him with pace, as soon as he arrives at the crease.
However, the scary thing is the fact that he averages 70 as captain, so England has an awful lot on their plate to keep him at bay throughout the series.
Australia legend Glenn McGrath suggested to BBC TMS (Test Match Special) that the top of off stump was the key.
“If I was bowling to Steve Smith, I’d just try to hit the top of off, find the edge. Keep it simple.”
McGrath: BBC Sport
While former England Batsman Ian Bell suggested to occasionally bring the slips into play.
We got him caught behind and in the slips a few times when he went after the ball, but today he left unbelievably well.”
Bell: BBC Sport
Sir Geoffrey Boycott also insisted that England should have a packed leg side field.
“I would bowl straight – to his strength – but pack the on side.”
Boycott BBC Sport
England of course tried those tactics in the last Series in England, and were somwhat successful.
Will the same tactics pay off in Australia though.
Ashes 2025: Force Australian Pacers Into Third And Fourth Spells
Embed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty ImagesWhen you’re up against a pace attack that includes Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland, there is nowhere to hide.
While we know that England’s batters like to score pretty briskly, specially since Bazball started, can they play the waiting game?
One man who can do it is Joe Root.
With 13,543 runs in 158 Tests, at an average of 51.29 in Tests, England are in ned of big runs from him, in order to post bigs scores on the board.
He has 39 centuries and 66 fifties. Score two more fifties and he will have to most in the format.
But he can’t do it all on his own; the rest of the batting line-up needs to come to the party, especially Ollie Pope and Harry Brook, who could play a big role in England’s future.
Embed from Getty ImagesVice-Captain Brook has 2,820 runs, at an average of 57.55, with 10 centuries and 13 fifties in 30 Tests.
Pope has 3,607 runs in 61Tests, at an average of 35.36, with nine centuries and 16 fifties.
However, Brook will be playing his Series in Australia, while Pope averaged just 11.16 on his first tour in 2021/22.
Can he put on a better show this time around?
Then you have Jacob Bethel, who is just four tests into his career. Can he cope with the pressure of an Ashes series?
Embed from Getty ImagesIf England is to have any chance of winning this Series, they cannot rely solely on one or two individuals; it must be a collective effort from everyone.
Ashes 2025: Spinner To Do Holding’s Job?
Though spinners have a lesser role to play in Australian conditions, it is vitally important that they do a holding job and try to stem the flow of runs.
Embed from Getty ImagesShoaib Bashir has the potential to do just that, but after a year into his career, can he step up to the plate?
The 22-year-old off-spinner has 68 wickets in 19 Tests, at an average of 39, and an economy of 3.79.
With Bashir being 6’4, he is bound to get some assistance in terms of bounce, but how consistent can he be in terms of line and length?
Australia’s batters will, with no doubt, want to attack him and put him off his line and length, so how he responds to that will be a fascinating watch.
The key is how and when Stokes uses him, as well as the fields he sets for him.
Legendary England off-spinner has advised Bashir to ‘Think like a match-winner’.
Embed from Getty Images“I think it’s a big series for Shoaib Bashir, because he’s a good bowler and he can get that bounce that you need on Australian pitches,” “You’re never going to be the leading wicket-taker and the match-winner over there, unless you get a big foothole to bowl into one day, so he has to do a bit of a supporting role. “[I advised him to do] exactly those things. Just being aggressive all the time, always thinking ‘how am I getting a wicket’. Not just trying to stop the runs, I’m trying to get this guy out, how am I imagining getting the guy out.
Swann: TNT Sports
Nathan Lyon, Bashir’s opposite number has 268 of his 562 wickets on Australian soil. This is becuase of the amount of overspin he gets on the ball, which make the ball bounce higher off the pitch.
Can Bashir live up to expectations in Australia?
Consistency Of High Quality Cricket
Embed from Getty ImagesThe final and most crucial aspect of winning a Test Series, let alone an Ashes Series, is the consistency of good-quality cricket a team plays throughout the series.
Although the 2023 Series ended 2-2, Australia retained the Urn because they were the team that was more consistent with the bat, ball, and in the field.
For England to stand any chance of winning in Australia, they will need to perform consistently well with the bat, ball and in the field.
There may be days, especially in Sydney, when the weather becomes exceptionally hot, so how England adjusts to the conditions will be crucial.
There may be times when they must spend the entire day in the field, so concentration and stamina levels must be consistently high.
Dry up the runs, take your catches when they come your way. Stokes will need to ensure that his fielders are on it from the first ball.
These are the factors that could determine England’s fate in the Series.
Can you think of any more?
If so, don’t forget to let us know on World in Sport.