Australian legend Greg Chappell believes England’s fast bowlers could pose a serious challenge for the Australian batting line-up in the upcoming Ashes series, starting later this month.
Writing in his column for ESPNCricinfo, Chappell stated: “If Archer and Wood are both fit for purpose, England could surprise the Australians on a surface that will favour pace. Very few people enjoy batting against real pace. We would all rather bat against medium-pacers and spinners, but at this level, it has to be done.”
He further added: “Normally, it is one or two really quick bowlers in the line-up and then the pace drops off. Very few teams in history have three or four in the ranks who get it through at over 140kph. The ageing Australian line-up might be put under the pump if the England attack clicks.”
This year’s Ashes series will be a major test for Ben Stokes and his team, who have not won a single Test match on Australian soil since their famous 3-1 series win in 2010–11. Over the last decade, England have failed to win an Ashes series altogether.
Jofra Archer has played four Tests against Australia, picking up 22 wickets, while Mark Wood has taken 66 wickets in 11 matches — and both are expected to play crucial roles in England’s plans this time.
Chappell also highlighted England’s clear strategy of relying heavily on their fast bowlers. “England have put nearly all their eggs in the pace basket — a septet of fast bowlers with whom to challenge what they believe to be a fragile batting line-up. They’ve prioritised the fitness of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood for this series, so I expect them both to play in Perth and Brisbane, before rotating the rest of the pace squad through the remaining Tests,” he wrote.
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