Australian cricket legend Ian Healy has issued a compelling warning to the England team regarding the pivotal Perth Test in the forthcoming Ashes series. He firmly believes that England faces a potential 3-1 series loss if they fail to secure a victory in the opening match at Perth. This strong prediction comes amid concerns over England’s minimal preparation for what promises to be a gruelling contest.
England’s lead-up to the series includes only a single three-day warm-up match, a schedule Healy finds concerning. Their recent Ashes history also casts a shadow, with no series win since 2015 and their last Test triumph in Australia dating back to 2011.
Healy didn’t mince words when expressing his worries, recalling England’s past struggles in Perth. “England will win a Test… (But) you will see how you look when you’re underdone in Perth – I hope England watch it. It was swinging and bouncing. All the batsmen were playing outrageous shots and getting caught. England, watch out, you’re doing the same thing,” he remarked on SENQ Breakfast, highlighting the treacherous nature of the Optus Stadium pitch and England’s historical tendency to struggle there with insufficient preparation.
Elaborating on his prediction, Healy stated, “They’re coming in underdone, and our fast bowlers looked fresh and sharp last night. Are England going to win a Test? Yes, but I think it will be close, maybe 2-2. Perth is the most important Test. If England loses in Perth, they will lose 3-1. Win in Perth it’s 2-2.” This underscores his conviction that the outcome of the Perth Test will singularly define the series. A win could see them force a draw at 2-2, while a loss could spell a decisive 3-1 defeat.
Beyond his thoughts on England, Healy also shared his preferred Australian batting lineup. He advocated for Marnus Labuschagne to open, despite Labuschagne’s recent exclusion from the West Indies series. Healy noted Labuschagne’s impressive return to form, having scored four centuries in five innings across List A and Sheffield Shield matches for Queensland. “I’m very happy with Marnus’ form, he’s back. Marnus can open and he’s happy to go wherever selectors want him. I’ve got him at 1 and Khawaja at 2. Konstas comes in when Uzzie retires,” Healy revealed, outlining a potential future for the Australian top order.
England will be hoping to turn the tide and avoid a repeat of their 2010-11 series success being their only recent Australian triumph, especially given Healy’s ominous predictions.