Former Australian spinner Steve O’Keefe has made a bold prediction ahead of the upcoming Ashes 2025-26, claiming that the Ben Stokes-led England cricket team will finally break their long wait to win a Test series.
O’Keefe believes that England have the firepower and balance to defeat the Australian cricket team on their own soil. He predicted that England would win the upcoming Ashes 2025–26 series by a margin of 3–2.
Steve O’Keefe makes bold prediction for Ashes 2025-26
The former Australian spinner feels that England’s current pace attack is their biggest strength. With Jofra Archer returning to full fitness along with Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue, O’Keefe believes the visitors have the depth and pace to trouble even the most settled Australian batsmen in the upcoming five-match Test series.
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Steve O’Keefe was quoted by Fox Cricket as saying, “Don’t miss the mail here, I’m calling it England (to win) 3-2. I’m saying the Australian team is going to be thrashed on their home track. They have some great fast bowlers in Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue, to name a few.”
Steve O’Keefe backs England to recreate 2010 Ashes magic after 15 years
Even O’Keefe said that the current England team reminds him of England’s historic 2010 Ashes-winning team that defeated Australia 15 years ago. He believes the time again feels right for England to do something special, as they have a well-balanced squad and form.
He added, “I think they’re ready; they have the right attack this time. They brought in some players, and you never felt like they were ever that close or that good. They were the better team when they beat us twice in the past.
They had a better team in 2010. This time, you can argue and say that they don’t, but I’m just saying that this is the right team coming in the right form. I just think the time is right. It has been 15 years since 2010.”
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Steve O’Keefe warns Australia against England’s explosive pace attack and fearless batting
The former spinner also hopes that the pitches in Australia will be flatter than usual, which could benefit England’s aggressive batting unit. O’Keefe said Joe Root is in great form and players like Harry Brook, Ben Duckett and Jack Crawley are going to wreak havoc against this Australian attack in the upcoming Test series.
He feels the Australian attack may struggle under the pressure of England’s sustained fast pace and fearless batting approach. It is noteworthy that the Ashes series between England and Australia is going to start from November 21.
He concluded by saying, “I think it’s going to put pressure on the Australian team, and ultimately, I think they’re going to fail under that pressure. They’ve got fast bowling options over and over again; there’s no leeway, and they’re going to challenge this Australian team.”
Notably, Australia will start the Ashes 2025-26 series without their regular captain Pat Cummins, as the star pacer was ruled out due to injury and is currently recovering under medical observation. He is also doubtful to play in the second Test starting from 4th December at Gabba, Brisbane.
