#360debate: Will Australia beat England and win the 2015 Ashes?

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  • Ahead of this week’s first Test in Cardiff, Sport360’s Assistant Editor Jaideep Marar and Assistant News Editor Ajit Vijaykumar debate whether Australia can retain the Ashes on English soil.

    Join in the discussion and have your say by using #360debate on social media or commenting below.

    YES – Jaideep Marar

    Everything is going swimmingly for Australia in the build-up to the Ashes. They won a Test series in the West Indies weeks before they landed in England and then went on to record back-to-back victories in the tour games to set themselves up nicely ahead of the first Test in Cardiff.

    On current form, they are easily the favourites and in best shape to register their first Ashes win in England after 14 years.

    The only setback they have suffered has been in the form of Ryan Harris, who retired following a knee injury. Otherwise, it’s all systems go for Clarke & Co.

    Australia also steal a march over their arch-rivals in terms of experience and overall strength. Look at the battle for places in the Aussie camp: Chris Rogers and Shaun Marsh for the opening slot, Mitchell Marsh and Shane Watson for the all-rounder’s spot, Peter Siddle and the young pacers.

    Such competition not only motivates the players to give their best but it also presents the selectors and captain with a lot of options.

    The regulars are also primed for action beginning with opener David Warner, their best batsman and World No1 Steven Smith, captain Michael Clarke and fast bowlers Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

    In comparison, England are still in rebuild mode. There is too much attention on new coach Trevor Bayliss, an Aussie, as if he has some magical powers to cure all ills ailing the team. Bayliss can only lead the horse to the water but eventually it is the players who have to step up.

    An unsettled opening combination and a wobbly middle order will be easy pickings for Clarke’s army.

    Past results on English soil over the last decade may not have gone in Australia’s favour, with seven defeats and just two wins in 15 Tests, but this bunch looks set to improve upon that.

    There appears to be no apparent weakness in the squad. Even the Dad’s Army jibe has taken a beating with the 22-year-old Pat Cummins replacing the 35-year-old Harris.

    Of course, Harris’ indomitable spirit and fighting qualities will be sorely missed but Australia still have a formidable workforce to tame the Englishmen.

    NO – Ajit Vijaykumar

    The Ashes is ultimately a bowlers series with the better bowling attack largely ensuring their team comes out on top in the five-match series.

    During the last battle Down Under, the Aussies clean swept the series and a big credit for that went to Mitchell Johnson for the fear that he spread among the English camp. But crucial wickets were being taken at the other end, more often that not, with the unrelenting Ryan Harris the star of the show.

    While Johnson struck the physical blows, it was Harris and spinner Nathan Lyon who did the crucial clean up. England did not have a similar arsenal and were duly blown away, but the situation is different this time around.

    Harris has announced his retirement after his troublesome knee again gave way and as one of the most effective bowlers of the past decade, Australia will miss him.

    Secondly, Johnson of 2015 is not the Johnson of late 2013 and early 2014. Also, Lyon has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders but the series has not started well for him, having been thrashed for 200 runs in 34 overs in a warm-up game against Essex.

    That leaves the Aussies with left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, greenhorn Josh Hazlewood and and ageing Peter Siddle who has lost more than a couple yards of pace and zip.

    It means James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Steven Finn and Ben Stokes can match the Aussies in bowling firepower. If it that happens, they can pull the rug from underneath the much-fancied Aussies.

    Australia have some concerns in the batting department with elder statesmen Chris Rogers, Brad Haddin and Michael Clarke expected to face a tough time.

    England, meanwhile, have turned over a new leaf since their World Cup woes with a refreshingly attacking display in the series against New Zealand.

    The Englishmen have a proud record at home and have beaten the Aussies in the last three series in their own backyard.

    With their positive intent and an opponent with a few chinks in the armour, England should fancy their chances.

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