NEW DELHI: England's bold and aggressive approach to Test cricket, led by coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, has revolutionised the game and yielded impressive results.
With 11 victories from their last 13 Tests, scoring at an astonishing rate of nearly five runs per over, England has defied conventional wisdom and transformed their fortunes. They have bewildered top teams like India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Pakistan, amassing record-breaking runs and chasing formidable targets with ease.
However, the true test awaits as England face off against Australia, the current world champions and holders of the Ashes. Australia boasts arguably the best pace attack in the world, which presents a challenge to England's aggressive style of play.
The upcoming series, starting at Edgbaston on Friday, will determine whether England maintains their fearless approach or adapts to the formidable opposition.
Both Stokes and McCullum have shown no inclination to rein in their attacking mindset in the lead-up to the highly anticipated series, reminiscent of the classic 2005 Ashes edition won by England.
Whether Australia, who reclaimed the Ashes in 2018, retained them in 2019 with a drawn series, and secured a comprehensive 4-0 victory at home in 2021, will respond to England's aggressive playstyle remains to be seen.
Pat Cummins' side are not exactly shrinking violets and will begin their quest for a first series win in England since 2001 full of confidence after convincingly beating India in London to win the World Test Championship.
Steve Smith, so often a thorn in England's side, scored a century in the first innings against India and along with Marnus Labuschagne will form the bedrock of Australia's batting while Travis Head will be a handful for England's bowlers.
But how their bowling unit of Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood react when faced with 'Bazball' for the first time could be the key to the outcome.
"Every Ashes series gets the juices flowing but there's added excitement this time around," former England skipper Nasser Hussain told The Metro.
"That's because of the brand and style of cricket this England side are playing. There's that question we all have: can they turn up and do to Australia what they have done to every other side they've come up against?"
England warmed up with a predictable thrashing of Ireland at Lord's, with bowler Stuart Broad pushing his case for selection with five wickets in the first innings while Ollie Pope scored a run-a-ball double century to cement his place.
Broad is battling for a starting spot along with old strike partner James Anderson, Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood while Moeen Ali, back in the Test fold after England's go-to spin Jack Leach suffered a back injury, is likely to start despite having not appeared in a Test since 2021.
Moeen, a proven match-winner on his day, said answering Stokes' call was an easy decision.
"To be part of it is amazing. It's such a big series and the guys have been playing exciting cricket," he said.
With the weather set fair, the opening skirmish promises fireworks as both sides seek to seize the momentum.
"I think England are marginal favourites just because Australia haven't won over here for such a long time but it's very hard to call. All I know is there won't be too many draws," former England captain Michael Atherton said.
(With Reuters inputs)
