As England prepare to face Australia in the opening Test of the 2025 Ashes series, anticipation is high for a fresh start on Australian soil. The visitors are keen to erase painful memories of previous tours, including the unforgettable moment when Rory Burns was bowled around his legs on the very first ball of the 2021–22 series.
With Ben Stokes at the helm, England aim to break a long-standing drought, having failed to win a single Test match in Australia since their triumphant 2010–11 campaign. This time, however, the visitors arrive with renewed confidence and an aggressive approach that has reshaped their Test cricket identity over the past couple of years.
Role of the openers
One of the most crucial factors for England will be the performance of their opening duo, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. Both players have flourished in recent seasons and possess the ability to dominate the opposition once settled at the crease.
England will rely heavily on them to provide the sort of steady, assertive start that can put early pressure on a weakened Australian bowling attack. With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood unavailable for the first Test, Australia’s pace resources appear more vulnerable than usual, giving Crawley and Duckett a prime opportunity to seize control.
Their success at the top could also set the stage for England to aim for totals in excess of 400, a benchmark that would force Australia into a defensive position from the outset.
Key Middle-Order Batters
Following the openers, England’s middle order—Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith—will carry the responsibility of sustaining momentum and building long, match-defining innings. Joe Root, one of England’s greatest modern-day batters, will be under particular scrutiny.
Despite his extraordinary record, Root has yet to score a Test century in Australia, and the upcoming match presents an ideal chance for him to remove that lingering burden.
Ben Stokes, meanwhile, stands out as the only current squad member with a Test hundred in Australia. As captain and all-rounder, his dual role becomes even more vital, particularly in a series where leadership, resilience, and tactical clarity could shape England’s fortunes.
Supporting them will be the explosive Harry Brook, the technically sound Ollie Pope, and Jamie Smith, who continues to grow as a promising wicketkeeper-batsman. Together, this middle order forms a strong core, though the overall success of the batting unit may still hinge on how effectively the top five handle Australia’s first-day bursts.
England’s Fast Bowling Options for the First Test
Questions remain over England’s bowling combination heading into the first Test, especially considering the importance of starting the series with rhythm and collective intensity. Memories of the 2021 tour, where England’s attack struggled for penetration and consistency, may influence team management toward a more aggressive selection strategy.
In Perth, conditions traditionally favour fast bowlers, prompting strong consideration of an all-pace attack.
Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Mark Wood are the likely candidates to form a four-pronged pace unit, with Ben Stokes acting as the supplementary option.
Such a setup would give England the speed, hostility, and variation needed to challenge Australian batters early in the series. However, relying exclusively on seamers also brings risks—particularly concerning over rates, an area where England have struggled recently. Balancing firepower with discipline will be essential if this strategy is to succeed.
As the Ashes 2025 begins, England’s chosen XI reflects a bold, confident approach designed to rewrite their fortunes down under. The opening Test will not only set the tone for the series but may also determine whether England can finally overcome their long-standing challenges in Australia.
