In order to keep it nice and tidy.
Well it’s almost upon us and we know how well we do with that first ball. Australia seem clear favourites but the odds for the results have England about 7/1 to win 3–2 and 6-1 for Oz to win 3-2 so somewhat mixed.
There are injuries for the Ozzies but if we can stay fit esp Stokes I think we can do this. History says there is a 50/50 chance of one game being drawn through rain, I don’t think any others will.
We probably need to win in Perth … we definitely need to win in Adelaide and I think we will win the day night … I’m going 3-2 to England … at least 2-1 up after 3 if not 3-0
Some interesting info in this article :
According to PitchViz, Australia is the toughest country in the world to face fast bowling in the past five years. The pitches here are the bounciest, quickest and second most inconsistent – all factors that should discourage extravagant strokeplay.
Since 2020, Australia have the second-fullest average length – 6.22 metres – needed to clip the top of the stumps; that’s about 35 centimetres fuller than in England.
Take your pick.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/nov/19/ashes-2025-26-guardian-writers-predictions-for-the-series
Gee how long since you won a match down here let alone a series, no test equivalent matches, towelled in NZ, notoriously fragile quicks and so many tipping an English series win!
Tell em they’re dreamin.
I think you already have.
I think Australia will have a home ground advantage
Last year they lost to India in Perth but won the series
It’ll be fascinating, so looking forward to the contest
England are gambling on three bowlers who have no realistic chance of lasting a whole series. They do have a proven top seven but you still think they’ll Bazball their way to 50-5 off six overs and shrug off criticism because it’s entertaining.
They’ve got belief. Plenty of previous teams haven’t and confidence matters. Whether it is warranted, we are about to see.
TBH I don’t really care who wins. I’m just hoping for some damfine games of cricket, willow on leather etc. If England do win it’ll be a nice surprise, as is the discovery that 7+ is showing all matches free. They’ve even signed up Bumble.
Recent history would suggest any game involving England will be a blinder
I suppose the hope is that those bowlers may get them 2-0 up before crocking – if they do stay fit that long that’s a real possibility. But if that happens, and given that those bowlers will definitely get crocked sooner rather than later, the question is how on earth they protect a lead over the remaining tests.
Of course 1 or 2 of them may just pull up lame on the first morning and then we’re buggered from the start.
I reckon 3-2 or 4-1 Australia. Whatever happens, can’t wait!
Given the Aussie injury news I am adjusting my prediction from 3-1 to 2-2
My heart says 3-1 England. My head says 3 or 4-1 Australia. As everyone is saying it will hinge on who stays fit.
The first ball often seem to foretell the series doesn’t it? Who remembers Rory Burns being bowled round his legs in 2021? Or DeFreitas being pummelled by Michael Slater in 1998?
I’m excited today. Let’s see how long that lasts.
Looking forward to hopefully a close series at least.
Not so easy to follow here with the huge time difference…think it starts at 230am here….and only on subscription channel, no free to air coverage even for highlights. So TMS and YouTube for me – perhaps the day night test might be more user friendly time wise.
Hopefully it’s not all over by Christmas !
Was thinking of signing up to TNT but then I’d only catch a few hours every day first thing so it’s TMS I reckon.
I’ve a sinking feeling the Aussies will prevail.
Just discovered there’s an hour’s highlights package available each day on BBC i-player.