3 Burning Questions England Must Answer Before The Ashes 2025

Jatin

England needs to address some pressing concerns [Source: @Johns/x.com]England needs to address some pressing concerns [Source: @Johns/x.com]

The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw. And while England showed glimpses of brilliance throughout the five Tests, there are still a few puzzle pieces missing.

The biggest test of all looms large: the Ashes 2025 which is set to kick-off in November in Australia. If England want to make their first-ever ICC World Test Championship Final, they can’t just hope to compete Down Under. They will need to go toe-to-toe with an Australian side that’s ruthless in their own backyard.

And before they even think of regaining the urn for the first time since 2018, they have got a few questions to answer. Let’s take a look at 3 questions England must answer before setting foot in Oz for Ashes 2025.

3. An Unsettled Spin Attack

England’s spin situation is still murky. And heading to Australia without a clear spin plan? That is flirting with disaster.

Right now, Shoaib Bashir is the frontrunner. But the youngster is untested in Aussie conditions and coming off a finger injury. Sure, he has got 68 wickets in 19 Tests, but at an average of 39.00, he hasn’t exactly sent shockwaves through the cricketing world yet. And against Australia’s aggressive middle order, he might just be meat for the lions.

Jack Leach brings experience but hasn’t been able to hold a spot. Liam Dawson returned after 8 long years for the fourth Test vs India and bowled 62 overs for just 1 wicket. Not exactly a glowing audition.

Then there is Rehan Ahmed, the wildcard. The 20-year-old leggie has picked 22 wickets in 5 Tests at 31.22. He is raw, but there’s something about his confidence. If England want a surprise element, he might be worth the punt.

Australia isn’t a spinners’ dream but you still need one who can hold one end, create pressure and occasionally chip in. England need to finalise their main spinner and a backup soon and stick with them through thick and thin.

2. The No. 3 Conundrum

Now let’s talk about the No. 3 issue. Ollie Pope has been in this role for a while now. And sure, his career stats aren’t shabby: 3607 runs at 35.36 with 9 tons. At No. 3 specifically, he averages 41.60. On paper, it looks decent.

But numbers can lie. Against India, Pope was scratchy. He scored 306 runs from 9 innings at 34.00; again, not terrible, but never in control. He got starts, looked busy, but couldn’t convert them into big knocks. Worst of all, his dismissals were repetitive: bowled or LBW to pace, playing across the line, feet stuck, head falling over.

Australia’s seamers Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will have Pope’s weaknesses on a whiteboard. If he doesn’t tighten up his game, they will come hunting.

On the other hand, Jacob Bethell is a prodigy who made waves in the New Zealand series last year. Filling in for Pope at No. 3, he looked like he belonged. He scored 360 runs at 52.00 in that series, including a 50 off 37 balls* on debut. He looked far less settled when moved down the order against India. Clearly, No. 3 is his sweet spot.

Bethell’s technique isn’t flawless but he is young, left-handed and fearless. That angle advantage against right-arm quicks in Australia might just work in his favour. Plus, he bowls handy off-spin, a bonus on Aussie dustbowls late in the series.

Bottom line is England must decide early. If they back Pope, it has to be with full conviction. If not, Bethell needs time to prepare. This can’t be another mid-series experiment.

1. Pace Attack In Pieces

Let’s address the elephant in the dressing room: England’s pace battery. Across the five Tests against India, they tried six different fast bowlers and yet, it still feels like they are trying to pick their best three. That is never a good sign this close to an Ashes series.

England’s workhorse, Chris Woakes suffered a shoulder injury in the final Test vs India. His availability for the Ashes is still up in the air. Then there is Jofra Archer, who has become more hope than certainty. Nobody doubts his ability but his body just hasn’t been able to keep up. If he is fit, he walks into the XI. But that is a big if.

Mark Wood is another one who could be gold on the bouncy Aussie decks. His pace and aggression suit those conditions like a glove. But again, fitness is the question mark. Meanwhile, young guns like Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson (injury prone) and Brydon Carse have all shown potential but aren’t battle-tested in the pressure cooker of an Ashes tour.

To win in Australia, you need bowlers who can bowl fast, long, and smart. England need to get their fitness management spot on and nail down a pace group that can survive the grind of five Tests. The rotation policy might be back on the table and they better get it right this time.