RE:VIEW
Three writers make their Ashes predictions
MEL FARRELL
Australian writer and broadcaster
Under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, England have been adamant they don’t do draws so I’m going to take them at their word, as long as the weather cooperates. I suspect the results may swing dramatically from match to match and I wouldn’t bank on many lasting the full five days. The management and fitness of fast bowlers in a jammed schedule may prove decisive and England have more concerns in that regard. The all-round skills of a red-hot Cameron Green, not to mention the flexibility and balance he offers Australia, could be key. And I expect Ollie Robinson to make a huge impact on the series. I love a dramatic dénouement so I’m backing Stokes to be true to his word, with a slight variation; 2-2 going into the Oval Test, Stokes declares at three wickets down on the final day, setting Australia 300, and England take the 10th wicket in the final hour to seal victory. The women’s Ashes should be more competitive than the last series but Alyssa Healy’s squad has more depth than the Mariana Trench, even without Meg Lanning and Rachael Haynes. England’s younger recruits seem less fearful of Australia’s daunting reputation and Nat Sciver-Brunt is in sensational form. As always, much hinges on the Test, where Ellyse Perry will score a century that sets up a tight victory. Australia take the series 12-4.