Former captain Nasser Hussain has expressed his confidence in England's ability to reclaim the Ashes from Australia, citing the team's momentum under the leadership of Ben Stokes as a key factor.
England last won the Ashes in a thrilling 3-2 home series victory in 2015, but Australia has dominated in recent encounters, securing 4-0 scorelines in both the 2017/18 and 2021/22 series. However, the 2019 series ended in a draw as England claimed a victory in the final Test at The Oval.
Hussain believes that England's captivating and aggressive style of Test cricket, often referred to as 'Bazball' due to the influence of head coach Brendon McCullum, makes draws unlikely and favors the home team.
"I can't see many draws simply because of the way England are playing, they're trying to take the draw out of the equation," Hussain commented in The ICC Review.
In recent years, Australia has struggled to secure an Ashes victory on English soil, with their last series win in England dating back to 2001. Hussain predicts a close contest but ultimately foresees a 3-2 series win for England.
The fitness of England's pace attack remains a concern, with James Anderson and Ollie Robinson missing the recent Test against Ireland, and Jofra Archer and Olly Stone battling persistent injuries.
While Anderson currently holds the No.2 spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings, Hussain believes this Ashes series will provide an opportunity for Robinson to establish himself as the leading wicket-taker.
"If you look at any cricket Ollie Robinson has played, it has been phenomenal. His County stats, his international stats, home, away, Dukes ball, Kookaburra ball. He just takes wickets for fun," Hussain praised.
Should Robinson maintain his fitness, Hussain believes the young bowler will make a significant impact with his accuracy, economical bowling, and ability to consistently hit the right length for England.
As the Ashes series approaches, cricket fans eagerly await the clash between the two arch-rivals, with England hoping to regain the coveted urn under the inspiring leadership of Ben Stokes and the impressive performances of their talented squad.