Stephen Finn says England have the best chance of winning an Ashes series in Australia in 15 years.
The Finn, a member of England’s last victorious tour in 2010/11, believes the continuity nurtured under Brendon McCullum could help exploit vulnerabilities in an unsettled Australian side.
With uncertainty surrounding Australia’s first pair and captain Pat Cummins ruled out of the first Test, Finn is backing England to reclaim the urn.
“England got their best chance in 15 years,” said the former England bowler Ski Sports News. “They have a relatively settled line-up, which is consistent in itself – exactly what you need in an Ashes series.”
“There’s a bit of turbulence in Australia too, with a more unsettled line-up than they’ve had in the past 15 years. They have challenges fitting both players – Beau Webster and Cam Green – into the side.
“Finding their top three is one of Australia’s biggest question marks going into the series.”
“I’m going to err on the side of positive and predict a 3-2 series win for England.”
Cummins’ absence ‘a blow to the series’
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Mark Wood says Pat Cummins’ absence from the first Ashes Test is a “huge boost” for England
Steve Smith will captain Australia in the first Test in Perth after Cummins was ruled out with a back injury. The captain is racing to recover in time to play a role later in the series, and Finn hopes to return – for the good of the competition.
“It’s a blow to the series,” Finn added. “Even though we want England to win, you want the best players involved.”
“I love watching Cummins play, and it’s a real shame he won’t be fit for the first Test, to say the least.”
“It’s good news for England because he’s an amazing bowler but he’s not great for the series – you want to see the best.”
Voakes shares Finn’s optimism
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Former England cricketer Chris Woakes talks about the upcoming 2025 Ashes series in Australia and backs England’s chances of success.
The Finn’s former team-mate Chris Woakes reiterated his confidence in England’s chances.
“England’s chances are great,” Woakes said. “I really think we have a great chance to win – and we will win the series.”
“Beating Down Under is tough; it’s not going to be easy. But the team we’ve built over the last few years has a great opportunity to go there and get results.”
“We’ve worked hard together for a while and reaped the rewards of being a consistent group. Now comes the ultimate test – winning in Australia.”
Labuschagne issues warning ahead of Ashes
Marnus Labuschagne has issued a warning to England ahead of the Ashes, comparing his current form to a breakthrough 2019.
The 31-year-old smashed his fifth century in eight innings for Queensland against New South Wales in the one-day cup, with a blistering 101 that took his summer average to 84.87 across all formats.
Asked how this run compared to previous career highs, Labuschran pointed to his meteoric rise in 2019, when he went from Test debutant and Ashes winner in England to the top of the rankings.
“The only time I can compare it to is probably 2019 in Glamorgan,” he said. “But not in both formats.
“Right now I feel like my shot is in a great place – I just trust my skills and myself. It’s all coming together.”