Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter, Brad Haddin, has made a bold prediction for the upcoming Ashes series in 2023. Haddin believes that England’s wish to play on flat and fast tracks to support their aggressive mentality could backfire. He suggests that if England gets the pitches they want, Australia could win 5-0.
England has been a revelation in Test cricket under the leadership of Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, winning 11 out of their 14 Tests. However, Haddin feels that the only way England can win is if they get overhead conditions and a bit of life in the pitch.
Haddin’s predictions coincide with former Australia captain, Ricky Ponting’s views on the matter. Ponting thinks that if England gets the flat tracks they are after, it might backfire on their bowling group, especially against the Australian batters.
England captain Ben Stokes has already declared that he wants the pitches to be fast and flat to support their aggressive style of play. With the first Test set to begin on Friday, June 16, the team is hopeful of their chances.
In the 2013 Ashes series, England last retained the trophy. Their last triumph came in 2015 on home soil. The Australian team is fresh from being crowned the world Test champions after winning the World Test Championship Final against India.
England recently demolished Ireland by ten wickets in a one-off Test at Lord’s earlier this month. The anticipation for the upcoming Ashes series is now higher than ever, as both teams are preparing to give it their all.
The Ashes is one of the most anticipated cricket series in world cricket and every player gives their all to earn a win for their team. The teams will rely on their best players to bring their ‘A’ game to the cricketing field. With the series set to begin in less than two months, fans are eagerly waiting to witness the excitement and thrill that the Ashes brings every year.
