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Nasser Hussain says that the Ashes will define Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, with Australia favored in the season’s most-anticipated cricket series.
Ben Stokes celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of KL Rahul at Old Trafford (Picture credit: AFP)
Former England cricketer Nasser Hussain has said that the Ashes defines English captains and coaches and the upcoming series will definitely do the same for Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, adding that Australia hold the edge in the season’s most-awaited tie.
The English media has picked up on the age of the Australian team, labelling it ‘Dad’s Army’ and ‘Saggy Greens’.
In a sign that age is catching up, multiple of Australia’s senior cricketers have lightened their white-ball loads to prolong their Test careers and that makes them even more dangerous at home.
“England say it won’t, but it will. This series usually defines England captains and coaches and this one will. You’ve got to add context. Australia are firm favourite. England have not won a single one of their last 15 Tests in Australia,” Hussain said while speaking to The Athletic.
“That’s hard, cold facts. Fifteen Tests, drawn two, lost 13. It shows how hard it is to go to Australia and win. So if they win it down there for the first time since 2010-11 and before then, you have to go back to Mike Gatting in 1986-87, of course, it will define this team,” Hussain added.
Since stepping into broadcasting 21 years ago, the former England cricketer has built a reputation as one of the most respected pundits and columnists in sport, admired by cricketers and fans alike for his firm opinions, sharp insight and consistent, balanced understanding of the modern game.
“This is going to be a special series because it does feel like the culmination for this regime. Not the end, but this is what they’ve built up to. They came in not long after an Ashes drubbing and the whole game plan for the last three and a half years has been about how to win in Australia,” Hussain said.
November 17, 2025, 22:08 IST
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