London: England need to find answers before the five-match Ashes series in Australia later this year. If they have hopes of reaching the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final for the first time, a favorable outcome Down It is critical, according to the ICC's official website.
England displayed numerous promising indicators during their recent series against India, but they still have some unanswered issues as they aim to recapture the Ashes from Australia for the first time since the beginning of 2018.
England experimented with six different fast bowlers throughout their five-match series against India, but they are not much clearer about what their greatest pace attack is.
It remains to be seen if Chris Woakes will heal from his shoulder injury in time for the Ashes, and the ongoing fitness concerns for pace leader Jofra Archer are certain to be assessed before the trip Down Under.
England will also hope that Mark Wood is healthy enough to travel to Australia, as his speed will undoubtedly be beneficial, with Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, and Gus Atkinson all being considered for selection.
Joe Root is unquestionably a superb player, but the England veteran has yet to score a Test century on Australian soil, which is most likely the only thing missing from his already impressive résumé as he attempts to break Sachin Tendulkar's Test century record.
If Root can finally break his century drought in Australia and steer England to an Ashes victory, it will undoubtedly be one of the righthander's greatest achievements in his long international career.
Youngster Shoaib Bashir appears to be England's first-choice spin option for the Ashes, assuming he recovers from a finger injury, but the 20-year-old has yet to set the world on fire and may be targeted by Australia's batting group.
England might use Jack Leach's knowledge or give Liam Dawson another chance, after he got a flavor of it against India. Alternatively, will Rehan Ahmed make a surprise comeback and be selected for the touring squad?
Crawley was England's top runscorer in the most recent Ashes series in 2023, but the tall opener was rather disappointing on his first trip to Australia, scoring only 166 runs in three Tests of the 2021/2022 series.
Australia's seasoned speed assault will relish their chances against Crawley, and the right-hander will be under pressure to play well and help the team get off to a solid start with fellow opener Ben Duckett.
Jamie Smith has made a fantastic start to his international Test career, and comparisons to Australian great Adam Gilchrist appear somewhat justified, with his Test batting average currently hovering at approximately 50.
Smith's encounter with Australia away from home will be a step up in competition, and the Australians are expected to attempt to intimidate the skilled 25-year-old on his first visit down under.
