Australia vs England Predictions
Australia are favourites but are missing two key fast bowlers in Josh Hazelwood and Pat Cummins. Perth is expected to be the fastest pitch of the series, so that is a huge blow to the hosts.
Despite England’s horrible record in Australia, if ever there was a time for them to take advantage, it is now. I am backing the visitors to win against the odds.
- Australia have won 7 of their last 8 Test matches.
- Australia have won 13 of their last 15 home Test matches against England.
- Australia’s Steven Smith has scored 100+ in 4 of his last 8 Test matches.
- Australia’s Steven Smith has scored 50+ in 6 of his last 8 Test matches.
- England have won 3 of their last 7 Test matches.
- England’s Harry Brook scored 100+ runs in his last match.
- England’s Harry Brook averages 57.55 in 30 Test matches.
Head to Head
Australia lead England 13-0 with two draws in their last 15 Test matches in Australia. The last three Ashes series in Australia has ended 4-0, 4-0 and 5-0 in Australia’s favour.
England have never played at Perth Stadium before. Their last five visits to Perth, all of which were played at the WACA, ended in four defeats and a draw.
Australia Form
Australia come into the first Ashes test in fantastic form with seven wins in their last eight Test matches. Their one defeat came at Lord’s against South Africa in the World Test Championship final.
The Aussies last series was away against the West Indies in late June and early July, a series Australia won 3-0. They won by 159, 133 and 176 runs.
What will be concerning for Australia is that despite winning the series, no batsman scored a century in the entire series. While the pitches were bowler friendly, the batsmen come into the Ashes slightly short on runs.
Australia Injuries & Team News
Australia will start the series missing two prime fast bowlers in Josh Hazelwood and Pat Cummins. Both have been ruled out. Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett will replace them.
England Form
England’s Test form coming into the Ashes has been average with their last series drawn 2-2 at home against India. The five-match series was a nailbiter, but India won the final test by six runs to draw the series.
Chasing 374 in the final match, Joe Root and Harry Brook both scored centuries, but it wasn’t enough as they fell from 301-4 to 367 all out.
England’s recent history in Australia is very poor and what will be particularly concerning, is that star batsman, Joe Root has never scored a century ‘down under’. There will be a heavy reliance on some inexperienced players to play a very attacking brand of cricket in a hostile environment.
England Injuries & Team News
England are very much expected to play an all-pace attack in Perth, but Shoaib Bashir has been announced in the 12-man squad to keep the Aussies guessing.