England arrive in Australia for the 2025-26 Ashes with a genuine chance to win Down Under for the first time since 2010-11, according to former fast bowler Steven Finn. The 36-year-old, who played in both the triumphant 2010-11 series and the crushing 5-0 whitewash of 2013-14, believes Ben Stokes’ side can exploit Australia’s injury-hit pace attack and embrace the unique mental test of an Ashes tour. With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood already ruled out of the first Test in Perth starting November 21, 2025, and Mitchell Starc the lone survivor of Australia’s feared “big three,” Finn sees echoes of the transitional Australian side England dismantled 15 years ago. “The stars may just be aligning,” he says – but only if England master the off-field hostility and on-field adaptability that define Ashes campaigns in Australia.
Key Reasons England Can Win the Ashes 2025-26
- Australia’s Pace Crisis: Cummins (back stress fracture), Hazlewood (hamstring) out of Perth; Starc lone “big three” survivor
- Stokes Leadership: Full fitness (shoulder cleared); all-round impact balances side, inspires “Bazball” aggression
- Historical Precedent: 2010-11 win during Australia transition (Ponting fading, no set spinner)
- Mental Edge: Embrace hostility – “whole country against you” – and adapt decisions (e.g., bowl first Melbourne 2010)
- England Form: 9-match win streak; Wood/Archer/Atkinson hostile pace
- Series Opener: Optus Stadium, Perth, November 21-25 – fast, bouncy; England’s attack suits
Finn, who took 14 wickets across those contrasting tours, knows the Ashes Down Under is unlike any other series: “Whole country against you – customs officials, media, fans. But get it right, achieve immortality.”
The Mental Battle: Hostility Starts at the Airport
Australia doesn’t ease you in. “Customs unpack your bag – clean spikes or else,” Finn recalls. “One official quizzed my Terry’s Chocolate Orange – real fruit?”
Media ambush on arrival: “Enjoy getting hammered three months?” Finn: “Smile, humour – softens ‘arrogant Poms’ tag. Headphones? Guaranteed villain.”
2010-11: Naivety helped – “Eyes wide open, boyhood dream.” 2013-14: Over-practised, “brain scrambled – unselectable.”
Modern coping: Golf escapes. “Put phone away four hours – chase scratch handicap. Balance crucial.”
Finn: “2010 we embraced Australia – beaches, barbecues. 2013? Practised to limit – burnout.”
Stokes’ squad: Golf outings already hit headlines. Finn: “Smart – perspective. Don’t let hostility consume.”
On-Field Keys: Adapt, Be Bold, Catch Luck
Australia’s cracks mirror 2010-11: Ponting fading, no spinner. Now: Cummins/Hazlewood out, Smith captains Perth.
Finn: “2010 MCG – Saker convinced bowl first. Australia 98 all out – innings win. Bold calls define series.”
Perth pitch: Pace paradise (average first-innings 312, but swing/seam early). England’s attack – Wood (90mph+), Archer, Atkinson, Carse – “hostile since ’70s.”
Stokes: Bowls full tilt warm-up (4-61); “sensible rests – ready five.”
Australia XI (probable): Smith (c), Khawaja, Labuschagne, Head, Webster, Carey (wk), Starc, Boland, Neser/Doggett, Lyon.
England: Stokes (c), Brook (vc), Wood fit – “beast mode.”
Historical Echoes: 2010-11 Glory vs 2013-14 Nightmare
Finn’s diaries: Pre-2010 first Test – “Couldn’t sleep – best day of life.”
2010-11: 3-1 win; Cook 766 runs, Strauss/Trott centuries, Anderson/Swann mastery.
2013-14: 5-0 whitewash; Johnson 37 wickets @13.97 – “unplayable.”
Finn: “2010 draw Perth (517-1 second innings) changed rhetoric – respect earned.”
2013: “Left brain scrambled – unselectable.”
Stokes’ 2025: “Bazball” fearless – declarations, aggression. Finn: “If Stokes plays all five – England win comfortably.”
Why 2025 Feels Different: Injuries, Mindset, Momentum
Australia’s pace depleted: Cummins/Hazlewood out Perth; Abbott hamstring. Starc lone threat.
England: 9-win streak (NZ 24-22, Aus 25-7, Fiji 38-18). Warm-up: One three-dayer vs Lions (November 13-15 Lilac Hill).
Stokes: “Balls to wall – no easing. Prepare years, not weeks.”
Media bait: Perth’s “Cocky Captain Complainer.” Stokes: “Laugh off – first-timers, off-field tests too.”
Finn: “Pick targets better – crack at Stokes/Root? Give back spades.”
Verdict: Stokes Fit = Ashes Glory
Ramprakash/Finn agree: Stokes all five Tests – England triumph. Australia’s cracks (injuries, transition) mirror 2010-11.
Perth November 21: Fast, furious – England’s pace vs depleted hosts.
Stokes: “Ready – history books await.”
Tartan Army? No – Three Lions roar. Urn’s homecoming?
