5 Keys to Success for England in the Ashes 2025-26

England have not won a single test in Australia since 2010/11.

The much-awaited Ashes 2025-26 is all set to begin. This edition will be held in Australia and England will have a massive challenge ahead of them. The five matches will be played between November 21, 2025, and January 08, 2026 in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, respectively.

Ben Stokes and co. are in search of holding the urn, which they have not been able to do since 2015. But this time, they can look more determined to taste the success, as the team has been doing pretty well of late.

This is not just about the historic Ashes trophy but also about putting themselves ahead in the race for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 final. Hence, we will discuss here about five key reasons that England can succeed in the Ashes 2025-26.

Five keys to Success for England in the Ashes 2025-26

1. Jofra Archer’s return

To beat Australia in Australia, you need some exceptional bowling resources, and Jofra Archer’s availability for the series has certainly increased England’s chances. The 30-year-old has been in and out of the team because of injury. But after a long time, he is fully fit, and it is a massive boost for England.

These Australian pitches will suit Archer more than English pitches. His ability to click over 145 kmph consistently and bowl deadly bouncers and toe-crushing yorkers makes him an intimidating fast bowler.

His presence in the team can put the opposition on the back foot itself. Especially his numbers against some Australian stars like Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, or Travis Head can work in England’s favour.

2. Shoaib Bashir’s rise as match-winner

Since Graeme Swann’s retirement, England have tried to find good spinners time and time again. But they have not had many consistent bowlers. However, Shoaib Bashir has shown the promising sign of being the next leading spinner of England. The tall off-spinner is the only specialist spinner in England’s camp.

He has proved his worth in recent times under pressure and came out with game-changing spells consistently. Bashir has shown good growth in recent years. His control over the ball and ability to bowl long spells make him a vital asset. He is a bit like Nathan Lyon for Australia, who bowls a tight line and long spells.

3. Joe Root – The Run Machine

Speaking of England and not talking about Joe Root, the run machine, is not possible. Root has surpassed Steve Smith in recent years and has become the top-rated batter in test cricket in recent years. He is the leading scorer in the ICC WTC with 6080 runs in 69 tests at 52.86 with 21 centuries.

He has more than 1800 runs, more than second-placed batter Steve Smith (4278). Though Root doesn’t have a test century in Australia, this could be the series he breaks all the shackles, and it won’t be a surprise if Root ends up scoring the most runs in the Ashes 2025-26. He knows the conditions, the attack, and the opposition, and he is in red-hot form.

4. Harry Brook – No. 1 ranked test batter

Harry Brook is the next-gen superstar for England. His numbers in tests are unreal, and he will enter the Ashes 2025-26 as the no. 1 ranked test batter in the world. A batting average close to 60 and a strike rate of almost 90 in tests is a rare combination.

That is what Brook brings to the table. More than his numbers, his style of play and ability to dominate any bowling attack can put England in the driving seat. Brook will be the key batter for England heading into the Ashes 2025-26.

5. Ben Stokes – Three-dimensional match-winner

Ben Stokes will probably the most important player for England in the Ashes 2025-26. A dynamic all-rounder, proven match-winner, and brave leader, Stokes has everything you name. The charismatic all-rounder has a dual role with bat and ball, which comes with his leadership.

Stokes is a clutch middle-order batter who has played several match-winning knocks. With the ball, he has a golden arm and picks wickets at crucial junctions. Then, his captaincy, game tactics, and out-of-the-box thinking make him a versatile player. There are not many that can match his ability, and he is England’s prime weapon for the Ashes 2025-26.

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