This article written by Sophia Turner
With the fourth test now in the books as a draw, there is no way that England can lose the series against India. Ben Stokes and his team might be disappointed that they have not already clinched what has been an absorbing series between two of the world’s best test sides, but that is undoubtedly a good position to be in before the final meeting at the Oval.
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| Ashes 2025-26 - The First ball will be delivered on Perth Stadium, Image Source by Nathan Hurst / Unsplash |
Throughout the current series, English pundits have really tried not to look too far forward and concentrate on India. Mostly, they have failed, taking the current performances and results as a guide for the Ashes coming up in Australia at the end of the year. With just one test against India to play, surely now we are able to talk about England’s chances Down Under, as the experts and the best cricket betting sites get ready for arguably the biggest series in the game.
Whatever happens in the final test against India, there are a number of questions concerning the England team and its readiness to face Australia on its home soil. The fans might be buoyed by recent results, but can England really go and win the Ashes in Australia in 2025?
Highs and Lows of India Series
The current series between England and India has proved, once again, just how exhilarating test cricket can be. At a time when fans seem more attracted to the shorter – and even shorter – formats of the game, the opening four tests in this series have been a wonderful advert for the traditions of the sport.
As far as England is concerned, the positives are plentiful. Ben Stokes continues to be one of the best in the world with both bat and ball, while he is ably supported by a batting line-up that arguably goes all the way down the eleven. The bowling attack has been a little more hit-and-miss though, and the selectors will need to think hard about who will be on the plane to Australia in November.
Fifth Test
For England, the victory that looked like it was coming for the majority of the first four days at Old Trafford would have made things much easier for the fifth test. If the home side had won, it would mean that many of the top players could be rested, safe in the knowledge that the series had already been won.
Now, with the potential for a drawn series – if India win at the Oval next week – it is very likely that the battered and bruised England squad will largely return. There may be a few tweaks to the bowling attack but it is almost inevitable that Stokes will return one last time, even though he could barely lift his arm by the end of the fourth test.
Stokes Needs More Help
On the subject of Ben Stokes, it feels as though someone needs to be able to get through to him that he doesn’t have to do it all himself. There were long spells during the fourth test that everyone watching expected the England captain to stop bowling – and possibly leave the field for attention.
It was obvious that he needed a break but, as captain, he continued to lead the attack. He may well be right in thinking that he is the best chance for English success, but surely the likes of Joe Root and Ollie Pope – or Brendan McCullum, as head coach – should be pulling him aside to tell him to take a break. If Stokes cannot manage himself more productively, he needs someone else to tell him.
Aussie Bowlers
Looking ahead to the Ashes series beginning in November, it is starting to be billed as the Aussie bowlers vs. the England batters. Australia has been winning everything on its West Indies tour at the time England has been toiling against India, and the bowlers have largely been enjoying themselves.
It was something of a shock when Nathan Lyon was dropped from the starting eleven but the veteran pace attack has been bowling at full steam. With an Ashes schedule that provides long rest periods between the tests, we should expect Australia to hold up to its end of the bowlers vs. batters deal.
England Batters
But what of England’s batting line-up? It must be said that the pitches during the series against India have really favored the batting sides – and England’s top order has enjoyed racking up big totals so far. There have been some nervy moments from Pope and Crawley, but the majority of the side have looked solid.
Duckett, Brook, Smith, Root, and Stokes have all recorded centuries and have looked perfectly relaxed facing some of the best bowlers in the world. The team has a very long tail too, but it might find pitches in Australia to be a little more difficult. England’s batters will be the main point of attack for the tourists Down Under, but its bowlers will need to turn up as well.
Before the Ashes
Once the final test against India finishes, England will not play another red ball game until it arrives in Australia. With only one warm-up game against the England Lions scheduled, it will not get another chance to practice the long form of the game at all. McCullum’s side will need to get its eye in during a host of T20 and one-day games.
Australia will also not enjoy another test match until England arrive for the Ashes. But it will face India in a series of T20 and ODIs, as well as facing New Zealand and South Africa in a series of short form games during August and September. It will be interesting to see which of the two sides looks more prepared for that first ball in Perth in November.
Enthralling Contest
The Ashes is probably the biggest series in test cricket. It will always be eagerly anticipated and this year’s meeting promises to be electrifying. England will be confident, as always, but will be met with stubborn resistance from the home side.
England may well be home to some of the best batters in the world right now but the determination of the Aussie bowlers in front of their home fans – as well as the might of the Australian top order – might still prove to be too much.
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