"The players who could cause Australia concern are..." - Ian Chappell on England ahead of 2025-26 Ashes series

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has pointed out that England have some promising batters capable of worrying the hosts Down Under in the 2025-26 Ashes series. Chappell underlined that the likes of Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Zak Crawley can cause significant headaches for Australia.

The ongoing Test series against the West Indies has seen Root climb to the 7th spot in the list of highest run-getters in the format by passing 12000 runs. Crawley and Brook are rising through the ranks quickly and are among the brisk scorers in their line-up.

In his column for ESPNcricinfo, the South Australian stated that Jamie Smith's inclusion has added an extra armory to England's batting. He feels if Ben Stokes also finds consistency with the bat, England will be a force to reckon with. Chappell said:

"England has an attacking batting line-up, which they've bolstered with the inclusion of a solid wicketkeeper-batter in Jamie Smith. The players who could cause Australia concern are Joe Root for his sheer ability, and Zak Crawley and Harry Brook because of their aggression and capacity to score quickly. If Stokes recaptures his batting form he would fall into that category, especially as he's bowling again and taking important wickets."

However, it's worth remembering that Root doesn't have a century in Australia. Having played three Ashes series Down Under, the Yorkshire batter has managed 892 runs in 14 matches at an average of 35.68, with the best knock of 89.

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"Choosing the right type of player to succeed in Australia is imperative" - Ian Chappell

Ian Chappell. (Image Credits: Twitter)

Chappell added that England must learn how to dismiss Australia's lower-order cheaply and not rely on only bouncers. He went on to claim that holding on to catches will be equally vital, elaborating:

"If Stokes is fortunate enough to have a full contingent of fit fast bowlers in Australia, this will be a confidence booster. However, he needs to make dismissing lower-order opponents via good bowling a priority rather than relying on incessant overuse of a bouncer barrage. It's one thing to know England is more accomplished than the inexperienced West Indies and that sooner or later they'll wilt."

He added:

"Choosing the right type of player to succeed in Australia is imperative. However, the only way England can win a tough series is if their fast bowlers perform and they hold their chances."

England haven't won a Test in Australia since 2011.