5 reasons why Australia are Ashes favourites

Australia haven’t played to their full potential thus far

With the inclusion of debutant Cameron Bancroft along with the return of Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazelwood from injury, the Australian team looked a bit unsettled heading into a very important series- The Ashes.

Adding to that was the surprise inclusion of Tim Paine ahead of Matthew Wade or Peter Nevill as their wicket-keeper for this series. England, with their fragile batting lineup, looked stronger on paper before the start of the first test match.

Starc, Hazelwood and even the debutant Bancroft rose up to the occasion and put away any doubts about the team looking rusty or unsettled heading into the game. Add to that the likes of Khawaja and Handscomb didn’t fire in the first test match.

As a team, Australia didn’t play to full potential at the Gabba. It was the individual brilliance of players like Steven Smith, David Warner and Nathan Lyon which was good enough to beat England.

Going forward, if Khawaja and Handscomb can strike form and the bowlers can find complete rhythm and form, this Australian team will look even more potent and lethal on home soil. If the team plays to their full potential, then it will be really hard for England to come back in this series.