sydney, Australia – Anticipation is building as cricket experts at The Guardian release their predictions for the 2025-26 Ashes series, revealing a consensus on key vulnerabilities for both Australia and England. The forecasts, published today, highlight Australia’s precarious opening batting lineup and England’s historically inconsistent spin attack as potential deciding factors in the upcoming contest.
The series, slated to begin in late 2025, carries immense weight for both nations, steeped in a rivalry that dates back to 1882.A win signifies national pride and sporting dominance, while defeat can trigger intense scrutiny and calls for change. The predictions offer a snapshot of the current assessment of team strengths and weaknesses, providing fans and analysts alike wiht a framework for evaluating the series as it unfolds.
Several commentators expressed concern over Australia’s top order. MP noted the “revolving door of openers,” pointing to Jake Weatherald facing a “baptism of fire” and Khawaja being “barely hanging on,” with Labuschagne described as a “Band-Aid solution.” EJ similarly predicted a potential early setback, envisioning Zak Crawley driving the first ball “into the hands of slip” or Labuschagne falling to a swinging delivery.
Conversely, England’s spin bowling emerged as a recurring point of weakness. AB identified it as an “obvious weakness” for the team. TA voiced nervousness about the reliance on Joe Root and Harry Brook to consistently rescue the batting order should england’s aggressive top-order approach falter.
Looking beyond specific players, the experts offered varied post-series reflections. AM jokingly suggested the predictions be ”pulped,” while MR confidently declared Ben Stokes the “best ever England captain.” BR asserted that Joe root is “finally…allowed to be an all-time great,” referencing his century in Adelaide. MP playfully questioned whether the teams could replicate success “on a cold, rainy afternoon in Birmingham, Nottingham, Southampton, and twice in London.” EJ noted the emergence of a new term, “Brookball,” potentially signifying Harry Brook’s impact on the game.
