Former England skipper Nasser Hussain has given his prediction for the upcoming Ashes between England and Australia. The much-anticipated five-match Test series between the two traditional rivals will get underway on June 16.
England suffered a crushing loss in the last edition of the Ashes and would be keen to reclaim the urn. Things have changed completely for the English outfit in the last one year or so ever since Ben Stokes took charge of the team under the coaching of former New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum.
Under Stokes, England have been playing a highly entertaining brand of Test cricket and have blown most of the teams away with their aggressive and unprecedented style. And while only time will tell how things turn out in the upcoming Ashes, Nasser Hussain believes England will go on to beat Australia while also predicting a close series.
“I think they will. They’ll give it a go. I can’t see there being many draws. I think it will be 3-2,” Nasser Hussain told Sky Sports.
“This is a very good Australian side. Everyone will focus in on ‘Bazball’ – and can England bash the likes of [Mitchell] Starc, [Pat] Cummins, [Nathan] Lyon and co?
“Having said that, for me the issue is can Australia’s batting line-up get a par score to give their top-drawer bowling line-up a chance?,” he added. “Australia’s batting line-up, in England – with the exception of [Steve] Smith and [Marnus] Labuschagne – haven’t clicked.”
Nasser Hussain on Ashes:
Nasser Hussain further spoke about the excitement over the Ashes. Not only the English cricket fraternity but fans and experts from around the world are keen to see how England’s new-found approach works out against Australia’s formidable bowling lineup.
Speaking about it, Hussain said: “There is an added bit of excitement.
“I reckon, whatever happens, we’d be turning up to Edgbaston on day one – given the history of that place, the crowd and the atmosphere – hugely excited, but I think there’s even more this time.
“That’s because of the brand and style of cricket this England side are playing. There’s that question we all have: can they turn up and do to Australia what they have done to every other side they’ve come up against?
“Can they carry on this no fear cricket in an environment where everyone in this country cares deeply about the result?,” he added.
England have prepared for the Ashes with a thumping performance in the ongoing four-day Test against Ireland at Lord’s. After bowling out the visitors for just 172, England have declared their innings on 524 for 6 and are looking set to register an impressive win.
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