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Tag: Ashes 2025

  • Steve Smith looking forward to Ashes after England-India series

    Steve Smith looking forward to Ashes after England-India series

    Veteran Australia batter Steve Smith has expressed his excitement for the upcoming Ashes 2025 series against England.

    The five-Test Ashes series will begin in Perth in late-November, before a day-night match in Brisbane.

    The third Ashes 2025 Test will be played in Adelaide, with the traditional Melbourne and Sydney Tests scheduled for December and January.

    In an interview with an Australian media outlet, Steve Smith said that he expected a tough challenge from England after their recent home series against India.

    “I watched a lot of the series against India and it was one of the best Test series I’ve seen in a long time. The cricket that was played by both teams was outstanding,” he said.

    Smith continued, “England have a good side at the moment. They are obviously playing a really aggressive brand of cricket.”

    Read more: Root plans to use his experience to end Ashes win drought in Australia

    However, the former Australia captain was of the view that pitch conditions in his home grounds will be a challenge for batters.

    “It’s going to be a big challenge. The wickets in the last three-four years have been really tricky,” Steve Smith said.

    The veteran batter expressed confidence in his team’s bowling lineup, saying that experienced bowlers would make things difficult for England in the Ashes 2025

    “I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be a great series,” Smith said.

    The right-handed batter also discussed the recent form of England’s Joe Root, who recently became the second-highest Test run-getter of all time.

    “I think not just in that series (against India) but probably the last two years, he’s been incredible. His ability to make big scores – to go from 50 to 100 – which was one thing he got caught in that spot for a while,” Smith said.

    “He hasn’t scored a hundred in Australia. I think that’s been talked about quite a lot. I’m sure that’s something he wants to tick off his bucket list as well,” he added.

  • Australia cricket boss says Tests could send nations ‘bankrupt’

    Australia cricket boss says Tests could send nations ‘bankrupt’

    MELBOURNE: Cricket Australia boss Todd Greenberg says the traditional Test format could push some cricket nations into financial ruin and the sport may be better off with fewer five-day matches.

    Greenberg, who replaced Nick Hockley as CEO in March, said the future of Test cricket may involve fewer nations and more investment in marquee series like the Ashes.

    “I don’t think everyone in world cricket needs to aspire to play Test cricket, and that might be OK,” Greenberg told reporters on Wednesday, marking 100 days before Australia host England in the Ashes.

    “We’re literally trying to send countries bankrupt if we force them to try to play Test cricket.”

    Todd Greenberg, the former head of the sport’s players’ union, said cricket boards needed to prioritise meaningful contests over volume.

    “Scarcity in test cricket is our friend, not our foe,” the Cricket Australia boss said.

    “We need to make sure we invest in the right spaces to play Test cricket where it means something and has jeopardy.

    “That’s why the Ashes will be as enormous and profitable as it is — because it means something.”

    Read more: World Test Championship Final: Record prize money revealed for AUS vs SA clash

    While the five-Test Ashes series starting in Perth in late-November has seen record demand for tickets, the longest format is under siege from T20 cricket.

    Mushrooming T20 franchise leagues offering lucrative player contracts are crowding out the global calendar and have prompted a slew of top players to give up Tests and one-day internationals.

    Though Australia maintains a bumper schedule of Tests every home summer, it was also one of the earlier movers in T20, with the Big Bash League (BBL) set for its 15th season in December.

    CA has resisted allowing private investment in BBL teams but Todd Greenberg signalled the policy could be coming to an end following a review by Boston Consulting Group.

    “It would be completely naive of us sitting here in Australia to not explore (privatisation),” he said.

    “I’m not suggesting there’s been a decision made, and ultimately it won’t just be my decision or Cricket Australia’s decision.

    “It will be the whole of leadership of Australian cricket and it has to be beneficial for everyone.”

  • Woakes may opt for rehab over surgery in race to be fit for Ashes

    Woakes may opt for rehab over surgery in race to be fit for Ashes

    England all-rounder Chris Woakes said rehabilitation is a risk he is willing to take to be fit for the Ashes 2025 rather than undergoing surgery on the shoulder injury he sustained during last week’s fifth Test loss to India.

    The 36-year-old Woakes is awaiting scan results after suffering a suspected dislocated shoulder on the opening day of the see-saw Test at The Oval when he landed awkwardly trying to save a boundary.

    Judging by the extent of the damage his options would be either surgery or rehabilitation to strengthen the shoulder. The first Ashes 2025 Test begins in Perth on November 21.

    “I suppose… there will be a chance of a re-occurrence, but that could be a risk that you’re just willing to take,” Chris Woakes told BBC Sport on Friday.

    “From what I’ve heard from physios and specialists is that the rehab of a surgery option would be closer to three to four months. That’s obviously touching on the Ashes 2025 and Australia so it makes it tricky.

    Read more: WATCH: Moment Chris Woakes walks out to bat with arm in a sling

    “From a rehab point of view you can probably get it strong again within eight weeks. So that could be an option, but again obviously still waiting to get the full report on it.”

    Although ruled out of the remainder of the fifth Test, he returned to bat on the final morning with his left arm strapped in a sling as England pushed for a series win.

    Chris Woakes entered at number 11 with 17 runs still needed, he did not face a ball but ran four before Gus Atkinson was bowled, leaving India to seal a six-run victory to level the series 2-2 on Monday.

    Woakes received praise for his bravery, though he downplayed it by saying anyone else in the dressing room would have done the same.

    “In my eyes it was just business as usual… in that moment it was to go out there and try and find a way with Gus at the other end to try and get us over the line,” he added.

    “Unfortunately, it didn’t happen but I’m grateful and thankful that I put up the fight and tried to do it for the team.”