Former England fast bowler Steven Finn has delivered a compelling assessment of England's chances in the upcoming Ashes series, suggesting this represents their best opportunity to win Down Under in 15 years.
From Ashes Hero to Heartbreak
Finn knows the extreme pressures of Ashes cricket better than most. The 36-year-old was part of the historic 2010-11 England squad that triumphed in Australia, ending a 24-year wait for an away series victory. However, his subsequent tour ended in dramatic fashion when he was sent home and branded 'not selectable' by coach Andy Flower.
"When you step off the plane, you get the feeling it's not just you against the Australian cricket team but you against the whole country," Finn revealed, drawing from his experience playing the first three Tests of that memorable 2010-11 series.
Despite battling run-up issues and a severe confidence crisis that threatened his international career, Finn demonstrated remarkable resilience to return and help England regain the Ashes in 2015.
Why This England Team Can Succeed
Finn identifies crucial factors that could swing the series in England's favour. "There are cracks in the Australia team - just as there were ahead of the 2010-11 series," he observed, while acknowledging Australia remain favourites.
The Middlesex legend highlighted several advantages for Ben Stokes' side: "The slight turbulence in the Australia camp and England's squad means they have a good chance. Australia haven't been sure about the make-up of their top-three and not having Pat Cummins for a Test or two will be a real blow."
Since England's last away Ashes victory, three touring sides have been comprehensively beaten by Australia, suffering 13 consecutive Test defeats between them. However, Finn believes the combination of England's aggressive 'Bazball' approach under Brendon McCullum and Australia's ageing squad creates a genuine opportunity.
Key Battles That Could Decide The Ashes
Finn pinpointed Joe Root as absolutely crucial to England's hopes. "Joe is a marvellous player and the glue of England's batting order," he said of his former teammate, who sits just 2,500 runs behind Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar in Test cricket's all-time runscoring charts.
"He's going to have a huge say in this series. He is the wicket Australia will cherish most but I've got no doubt that he will score a lot of runs," Finn added, though he noted the one blemish on Root's outstanding record remains the absence of an Ashes century in Australia.
Finn also expressed excitement about Harry Brook's potential impact: "Harry Brook might get targeted with the short ball so that will be interesting. But I think he's a generational talent. If he has a big series that middle order could be rock solid and go a long way to regaining the Ashes."
For England's bowlers, the primary challenge will be dismissing Steve Smith, who boasts 12 Ashes hundreds and a Test average of 56. Having dismissed Smith twice in the 2015 series, Finn offered valuable advice: "You have to hang in there when you're bowling to him, be disciplined and patient as much as you can outside off stump. Try to outlast him and then hopefully he makes a mistake."
Despite England fielding their most inexperienced bowling attack in over 20 years following the retirements of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, Finn remains optimistic about their prospects.
"What I like most about this attack is they all do something different," he explained. "Jofra generally moves the ball across left-handers with his angle, Gus will bowl with a scrambled seam and get steep bounce, Carse is slightly wider on the crease and Wood has that raw pace. This is a real battery of fast bowlers which England will need throughout the series."
Finn's new book, 'The Ashes Files: My Pride and Pain in Cricket's Most Intense Series', is available now in hardback, eBook and audiobook formats.
