After the completion of ICC World Cup 2019, all eyes are on the upcoming Ashes series between England and Australia. Both the teams have already announced their squads and started their preparation camps as well. Meanwhile, Steve Waugh hesitated to pick a favourite for the clash.
On most of the occasions, the home team have won the trophy. The Ashes trophy. 2017—18 Ashes won by Australia in their home soil. So this year England could have well chance to regain the Ashes depending upon their bowling attack. However, you never know what is at the store.
Australia appointed a new coach in Justin Langer and a new captain in wicket-keeper Tim Paine following the ball-tampering scandal, and the duo has helped bring stability back to the national team setup. With the return of banned trio Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner, the team looks solid on the paper.
It’s Going To Be very Even – Steve Waugh
Speaking of the same, Steve Waugh quoted that it will be tough to pick one team between the two. He believes that both teams got a perfect balance. And also, highlighted the role of fortunes, which might see any key player being missed out due to injuries.
“I really believe it’s a big ask for the fast bowlers on both sides to play five Tests in six weeks and that could have a big impact on the whole series, so, for instance, Jimmy Anderson gets injured, or Mitchell Starc gets injured for us, it could really affect the line-up.
“Depth in the squad will be important but I honestly think if I was a betting man I wouldn’t back either side because I don’t know who’s going to win. It’s going to be that even. I think it’s going to be a fantastic series.”
Steve Waugh will link up with the tour ahead of the first Test at Edgbaston on August 1 as Australia seek to win their first away Ashes since 2001. Waugh played in nine Ashes series, losing just his first in 1986-87, and piled up 3173 runs in the contests at an average of 58.75. He captained two of the series, including 2001 on English soil.