Former England cricketer David “Bumble” Lloyd has unleashed a truly audacious prediction for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia: a resounding 5-0 whitewash victory for England. Speaking candidly on SENQ Breakfast, Lloyd elaborated on his bold forecast, highlighting concerns over Australia’s batting stability and emphasizing the pivotal showdown between England’s Joe Root and Australia’s Steve Smith. This prediction sets the stage for England’s pursuit of their first away Ashes series win since 2010-11, with the series kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
Image: Steve Smith addresses the media in Sydney, Australia.
In a remark that has undoubtedly raised eyebrows, Lloyd lightheartedly declared to FOX Cricket, “I hate predictions, I cannot be doing with them. I am going to turn into Glenn McGrath; it is going to be 5-0 England.”
He continued, “It is dead simple. If you come up against a team better than you in their backyard, you will suffer. Our guys right now… there is a real sense that we can do something here.”
Lloyd further elaborated on England’s potential, stating, “We have come over here to Australia and played the Ashes and lost before because the other team is better. There is a real thought right now that England has a massive chance to win the Ashes in Australia.”
Australia’s batting order, however, appears to be in flux. Several players are currently vying for the coveted opening slot alongside Usman Khawaja, including Marnus Labuschagne, Sam Konstas, Matt Renshaw, and Jake Weatherland. This competition adds a layer of unpredictability to their lineup.
Beyond the openers, questions also surround the batting positions for established stars like Labuschagne and Smith, as well as all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster. Compounding these concerns, captain Pat Cummins is reportedly doubtful for the Perth Test due to ongoing back stress issues, potentially adding another challenge for the Australian side.
Lloyd further analyzed the situation: “They feel they have the attack, they feel that Australia are at sixes and sevens with the batting lineup. Who will open? Who is three? Does Labuschagne come back in the team? Then there is a really great matchup between two of the best in the world, in Joe Root and Steve Smith. Whoever comes out on top in that will have a real influence on the series.”
Meanwhile, Steve Smith arrives at the series in formidable form. He recently notched centuries against India and Sri Lanka in Test matches and played a crucial innings of 66 against South Africa in the World Test Championship final, showcasing his continued prowess with the bat.