Former Indian head coach and well-known 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 will be played in Australia starting November 21 in Perth.
Shastri, who guided India to historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumphs in 2017, 2018-19 and 2020-21 back-to-back on Australian soil, further predicted that the upcoming 2025-26 Ashes will be one of the closest in recent memory as both teams are tied.
First Test match dictates how Ashes unfold: Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri said at the launch of Kayo Sport’s Summer of Cricket, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo: “This first Test match dictates how the Ashes will go. I think it will be close, much closer than it has ever been, and depends on the two captains and the fitness of both captains.”
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The former Indian captain also pointed out that the fitness of Australia captain Pat Cummins and England captain Ben Stokes could play a major role in determining the fate of the upcoming series. With reports suggesting that Cummins might not be quite fit for the first Test, Shastri believes the scales could tip slightly in England’s favor if the Australian captain misses the first Ashes match.
Shastri further explained: “Stokes, if he’s a leader, you know more than a captain. I think he’s a leader, and it’s the same with Pat. If both are fit – you mentioned that Pat might not be fit for the first Test – you know it’s a big blow; there’s no doubt about it. It allows England to go into that first Test match and make a statement, you know, which doesn’t happen often not. “
Ravi Shastri predicts Gabba Test could rewrite Ashes history
Traditionally, Australia have dominated the Gabba, but this time, Shastri feels the scenario could change. Notably, the second Test will be played at the iconic Gabba from December 4, where the Kangaroos have been virtually unstoppable.
And that’s why Shastri believes that if England manage to get off to a good start, they could turn the momentum around and define the course of the rest of the Ashes. He further noted: “That first Test match dictates how the Ashes goes. Normally they rush to the Gabba, you know, so that first Test is crucial.”
Australia series will decide Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI future: Ravi Shastri
Meanwhile, former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will have a clearer idea about their ODI futures after the upcoming three-match series against Australia. He said the selectors would closely monitor their performance, fitness and hunger to stay in the format.
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As India looks to build a balanced team for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2027, the former India all-rounder believes that Rohit and Kohli’s performances during the Australia tour will play a big role in their long-term roles in the team.
Shastri concluded by saying, “They are part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger and, of course, their shape.”
