England has not won a Test in Australia since their last series victory in 2011
Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie has expressed confidence that Australia will retain the Ashes during the 2025-26 series at home, citing the favorable conditions for Australian bowlers and concerns over England’s batting adaptability. The series is set to begin in Perth on November 21, with the Ashes urn currently in England’s possession following a 2-2 draw in the UK.
England has not won a Test in Australia since their last series victory in 2011. The team suffered heavy defeats in the 2013 and 2017-18 Ashes series, both resulting in 4-0 losses, and has failed to regain the urn at home, drawing the series in 2019 and 2023. With the 2025-26 series fast approaching, Gillespie, a four-time Ashes winner, believes Australia’s dominance at home will give them the edge.
In a conversation on the Wisden Cricket Patreon channel, Gillespie discussed England’s chances in the upcoming series. He remarked, “I think Australia plays incredibly well in home conditions. My concern for England is, how are they going to take 20 wickets? But also, are they adaptable enough with the bat?”
He pointed out that England’s aggressive batting style, which focuses on scoring quickly, may not be suited to Australian conditions. Gillespie added, “The surfaces here will offer enough assistance to the Australian bowlers to make the most of it. I’m not sure how adaptable England’s batting lineup is to counter the conditions here.”
Gillespie’s comments were influenced by his previous experience as Pakistan’s coach, when his team defeated England 2-1 last year. He believes England’s lack of adaptability, especially with the bat, was a key factor in their defeat.
As England prepares for the 2025-26 Ashes series, the team has been focusing on recruiting express-pace bowlers capable of thriving in Australia’s fast and bouncy conditions. The team’s managing director, Rob Key, has emphasized the need for fast bowlers who can bowl at high speeds, with names like Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse being considered for the squad.
While Gillespie supports England’s decision to include bowlers with “extra air speed,” he also suggests a balance between pace and accuracy. “I would have a couple of accurate seamers, guys that can bash a disk over and over. I would still have them in the squad but I don’t disagree with the thought of having some out-and-out express pace,” Gillespie said.
One bowler receiving attention is Essex seamer Sam Cook, who has taken 311 wickets in 86 first-class matches at an impressive average of 19.57. Despite not yet making his Test debut, Cook has been highly effective with the Kookaburra ball in County Championship games and had a successful winter touring Australia with the England Lions, taking 13 wickets in three matches. Gillespie, who watched Cook during the England Lions tour, believes he could play a significant role in the Ashes series.
“Cook could do a role for sure. He was close to being the pick of the bowlers when I saw him. He was quick enough, a tall lad who hit the seam, and the most accurate seamer,” Gillespie stated. He further added, “He’s brisker than you think. If he’s bowling 80 mph, a lot of good bowlers have taken a lot of wickets bowling at that speed.”
Gillespie also spoke about Australian pacer Dan Worrall, who now qualifies to represent England. While Worrall has been mentioned by Key as a possible candidate for the Ashes, Gillespie believes he should be seriously considered.
“He should absolutely be in contention for England,” Gillespie said. “If he’s in the best six or seven quicks that England has on offer, and he has experience in Australian conditions, why wouldn’t you look at him?”
As the 2025-26 Ashes series draws closer, Australia will look to capitalize on their home advantage, while England will need to find solutions to their batting and bowling challenges if they hope to reclaim the urn.
