The Ashes is just a couple of weeks away, but the excitement is already in the air. England and Australia both have geared up to resume their highly anticipated rivalry. Both the sides come on the back of some decent form in recent games. While England did well against New Zealand; Australia simply massacred the West Indies in the Caribbean. It is a no brainer that the Aussies begin as the favourites, and would be eager to register their first series win in England since 2001.
Wasim Akram, the Pakistani bowling legend is definitely excited by the rivalry and he chipped in with his views. Akram felt that the recent appointment of Trevor Bayliss as the head coach of England will greatly influence the hosts for the Ashes. Akram has worked closely with Bayliss since the last few years as the duo form the core coaching unit of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
Akram said that Bayliss’s role in coaching England will be crucial and will be a determining factor. “Bayliss keeps it simple and his coaching module is very impressive,” Wasim said. “At this level it should always be simple and Bayliss keeps it that way and I am sure his experience with Sri Lanka and New South Wales will help him in the Ashes.”
“I am sure he will give a positive mindset to England besides spicing it with the Australian touch of aggression and that will make the Ashes more competitive. I am sure it will not be a one-sided affair,” said Akram.
The Sultan of Swing however, clearly backed the Australians for the Ashes. “There is no doubt Australia start as favourites because they have bowlers who can bowl at 145km/h and that gives them an edge,” he said. “England will have to play out of their skins and they are rebuilding the side which will face tough times against Australia and it will be necessary to be at your best every hour and every session because Australia always play tough,” said Akram.
Akram also backed Steve Smith to shine in the upcoming Ashes. “Smith doesn’t talk less than a hundred and he will be the key to Australian batting once again.”