Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Fearless England Challenges 13-Year Ashes Drought in Australia
England's cricket team is going to Australia to play the Ashes.
They haven't won there in a long time, so they're trying something new.
They're playing very aggressively, which some people think might work.
Even though they've lost a lot in Australia before, they think they can win this time because they have a good team.
Some people think Australia might try to make England's captain, Ben Stokes, mad, but he's known for playing really well under pressure.
England aims to end a 13-year Ashes series drought in Australia, having lost 13 of their last 15 tests Down Under.
The team will adopt a fearless, front-foot 'Bazball' approach under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.
Former player Alastair Cook believes this aggressive style gives England their best chance to win in Australia since 2010-11.
Despite past tactical and psychological defeats, England's current squad boasts strong fast bowlers and batsmen.
There is an expectation that Australia may try to provoke captain Ben Stokes, but he is considered a player they historically feared.
- Who
- England cricket team, captain Ben Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum, former captain Alastair Cook, former fast bowler Steven Finn, Australia
- What
- England is set to begin the Ashes series in Australia with a fearless, aggressive style ('Bazball') aiming to end a 13-year winless streak, despite past failures and potential Australian tactics.
- When
- Beginning on Friday
- Where
- Australia
- Why
- To win the Ashes series, which England has not won in Australia since the 2010-11 season.
England's Bazball Approach
Australian Media & Potential Tactics
Playing Style
England's Bazball Approach
England's aggressive, 'Bazball' style aims to fight fire with fire and push back against Australia, increasing their chances of winning.
Australian Media & Potential Tactics
Some critics and potentially the Australian public view Bazball as arrogant, and Australia might use tactics to provoke England, potentially leading to self-inflicted errors as seen in past series.
Provocation
England's Bazball Approach
Captain Ben Stokes is seen as a player Australia may try to provoke, but he is also a player Australia has historically feared, suggesting he can handle such tactics.
Australian Media & Potential Tactics
The Australian public might respect a team playing positively, despite any media rhetoric suggesting otherwise.
- Last Ashes win in Australia
- 2010-11
- Recent Ashes record in Australia
- Lost 13 of last 15 Tests
- England Head Coach
- Brendon McCullum
- England Captain
- Ben Stokes
- Player of the 2010-11 series
- Alastair Cook
