Former England spinner Monty Panesar backed his countrymen to reclaim the Ashes Down Beneath for the primary time in 15 years, saying that Ben Stokes and Co. will win the collection in the event that they clinch the primary Take a look at in Perth.
Panesar, who took half in England’s away Ashes campaigns in 2006–07 and 2013–14, believes the present squad is best geared up to carry out significantly better than these earlier touring sides that have been whitewashed 5–0 in Australia.
Though Australia have not misplaced a house Take a look at to England since 2011, Panesar believes the guests have an edge this time given the hosts’ mounting damage issues.
“You take a look at Australia and there isn’t any Pat Cummins and no Josh Hazlewood. They have an opener, which is a David Warner substitute, however we do not know the way he’ll go about it.
“Usman Khawaja within the final couple of years, his report has not been nice, let’s be sincere. So, I simply assume England are on edge right here, if England win the primary Take a look at match (they will win the collection),” Panesar stated on SENWA Breakfast.
Whereas Australia boasts Nathan Lyon, who has 562 Take a look at wickets, Panesar believes 22-year-old English spinner Shoaib Bashir has the potential to outperform the veteran on his personal turf, regardless of Bashir having solely 68 Take a look at wickets at a mean of 39.
“I believe they (England) will win at Brisbane, Adelaide will most likely be Australia, Melbourne, I believe possibly Australia once more. If it is two-all going into Sydney, it will likely be the battle of the spinners. And who is aware of, it could possibly be simply Shoaib Bashir coming into his personal there, so I consider it will be 3-2 or 3-1, England,” he added.
The primary Take a look at between Australia and England begins in Perth on Friday.