Former Indian head coach and renowned broadcaster Ravi Shastri believes that the opening Test of the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 will decide the fate of the series between Australia and England. The historic five-match Test series in Australia will be played in Perth from November 21.
Shastri, who guided India to consecutive Border-Gavaskar Trophy wins in 2017, 2018-19 and 2020-21 on Australian soil, further predicted that the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 will be one of the closest in recent memory, as both the sides are evenly matched.
First test match will decide how the Ashes will be: Ravi Shastri
“That first Test match will decide which way the Ashes goes. I think it will be close, closer than ever, and it depends on both the captains and the fitness of both the captains,” Ravi Shastri said at Kayo Sports’ Summer of Cricket launch, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.
Also read: Yashasvi Jaiswal replaces Rohit Sharma in Gautam Gambhir’s ODI team
The former Indian captain also highlighted that the fitness of Australian captain Pat Cummins and England captain Ben Stokes could play a big role in deciding the fate of the upcoming series. Amid reports that Cummins may not be fully fit for the first Test, Shastri feels the balance could tilt slightly in England’s favor if the Australian captain misses the Ashes opener.
Shastri further explained, “Stokes, if he is a leader, you know more than a captain. I think he is a leader, and it’s the same with Pat. If both of them are fit – you mentioned Pat may not be fit for the first Test – then you know that’s a blow; there’s no question about it. It allows England to come into that first Test match and make a statement, you know, which doesn’t happen often.”
Ravi Shastri predicts Gabba Test could rewrite Ashes history
Australia have traditionally dominated at the Gabba, but this time Shastri believes the script may change. Notably, the second Test will be played from December 4 at the iconic Gabba, where the Kangaroos have been almost unbeaten.
And that’s why Shastri feels that if England manage to get off to a strong start, it could change the momentum and define how the rest of the Ashes will proceed. He added, “That first Test match decides how the Ashes is going to be. Normally they run at the Gabba, you know, so the first Test is important.”
Australia series will decide ODI future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: Ravi Shastri
Meanwhile, former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will have a clear picture of their ODI future after the upcoming three-match series against Australia. He said that the selectors will keep a close eye on his performance, fitness and hunger to continue in the format.
Also read: Virat Kohli surprised fans with his cool attitude as soon as he reached Delhi before Australia tour.
With India looking to build a balanced squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2027, the former Indian all-rounder feels that Rohit and Kohli’s performance on the Australia tour will play a big role in their long-term roles in the team.
Shastri signed off by saying, “They are part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger and of course, their form.”
