Nasser Hussain says defining Ashes looms for England, Australia are favorite
The Ashes always carries weight, but the 2026 edition feels particularly pivotal for England. With years of planning under the leadership trio of Rob Key, Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, the current regime has long pointed to this tour of Australia as its ultimate test. Yet despite optimism around England’s aggressive approach, the consensus from cricket voices is clear: Australia remain the team to beat.
As the Ashes returns to Australian soil, questions swirl around England’s readiness to overcome a decade-long drought. The upcoming series is not only a battle for the urn but a referendum on the bold, risk-embracing philosophy that has redefined English Test cricket in recent years.
Nasser Hussain, speaking to The Athletic, delivered a sobering assessment. “England say it won’t, but it will. This series usually defines England captains and coaches and this one will. You’ve got to add context. Australia are firm favourite. England have not won a single one of their last 15 Tests in Australia.”
Hussain continued, “That’s hard, cold facts. Fifteen Tests, drawn two, lost 13. It shows how hard it is to go to Australia and win. So if they win it down there for the first time since 2010-11 and before then, you have to go back to Mike Gatting in 1986-87, of course, it will define this team.”
Hussain’s framing of England’s recent history Down Under is more than a statistical warning — it’s a reminder of how touring Australia remains one of the sport’s toughest challenges. His point underscores the weight of expectation bearing down on this particular squad and its leadership group.
Still, Hussain believes the tour represents something bigger than just results. “This is going to be a special series because it does feel like the culmination for this regime. Not the end, but this is what they’ve built up to. They came in not long after an Ashes drubbing and the whole game plan for the last three and a half years has been about how to win in Australia. Rightly or wrongly.”
He praised the bold identity England has forged under Stokes and McCullum, stating, “The thing I really like about it is that they are not overly concerned about what other people think. They don’t worry about the reaction. I like that. I like the attitude of, ‘This is how we’re doing it, and we’ll live or die by it.’ I am a fan of the way England play. I can see why they hate it being called Bazball because that makes it sound like it’s the only way they play. It has been refined over time.”
Ultimately, Hussain said, the Ashes result could shape how this era is remembered. “If England win the Ashes (managing director) Rob Key, Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum will say: ‘There you are, we told you so’. But if they lose it, it will be others saying, ‘Same old story’.”
Ramprakash: England will win — but only if Stokes stays fit
While many experts focus on historical trends and strategic philosophies, some believe England’s fate hinges on a single player. The spotlight, inevitably, falls on Ben Stokes — not just as captain, but as the emotional and tactical centre of this team.
One voice offering optimism is former England batter Mark Ramprakash, who sees England triumphing — if their captain plays every game. “He seems to really connect with his team-mates,” Ramprakash told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“He knows how difficult it is to be an international cricketer.”
“He gives them his full backing and has great empathy to understand the ups and downs.”
Yet Ramprakash warned of the leadership void if Stokes isn’t on the field. “If he is not in the middle to make those decisions, to know when to back his bowlers, when to attack, that is a massive vacuum.”
Ramprakash’s assessment speaks to Stokes’ in-game influence, not just his stature. His ability to read moments, adjust tactics on the fly, and rally his team has been central to England’s recent evolution in the longest format.
His prediction was clear: “If Ben Stokes plays these five Tests then I think England win and win quite comfortably.”
Stokes has returned from a shoulder injury, but given his history of physical setbacks, questions remain about whether he can lead England across all five matches.
Australian media takes aim — but critics hit back
With the Ashes hype building, tensions have begun to spill beyond the boundary. Media narratives are once again playing their part — especially in Australia, where scrutiny of visiting captains is as relentless as the cricket itself.
Stokes has already drawn fire from the local press, with one Australian paper labelling him “England’s Cocky Captain Complainer.” The tone hasn’t gone down well with everyone. Ryan Campbell, the Durham coach, defended England’s leader in comments quoted via the BBC.
“I got a bit shirty about it. I want WA to put on a good show. I don’t want that stuff.”
“Everyone wants to say something smart. A lot of it you have to take with a pinch of salt.”
“There is two blokes I wouldn’t have a crack at — that is Ben Stokes and Joe Root. They are the calmest and take it on board to give back in spades. Pick your targets a bit better.”
Campbell’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within English circles: that Stokes and Root are not only key figures on the pitch, but also respected ambassadors of the game — and not the kind to be rattled by headline-driven mind games.
The pair have long been the backbone of England’s side, and for Stokes, this Ashes is a chance to add yet another iconic moment to his already storied career.
A historic challenge awaits both sides
As England aim to win an Ashes series in Australia for the first time since 2010–11, and only the second time since 1986–87, the task ahead is monumental. Australia have swept the last three home Ashes by margins of 5-0, 4-0, and 4-0, making Pat Cummins’ side justifiably the favourites — especially at home.
The weight of history leans heavily in Australia’s favour, but that’s precisely what makes this series so compelling. For England, the Ashes is not just a rivalry — it’s a proving ground, and a rare opportunity to flip the narrative on hostile soil.
Yet, with Stokes fit, Root focused, and years of planning behind them, England arrive with belief — and a shot at rewriting history.
