Ashes Villain Predicts Aussie Victory Despite Cracks in Team

As the 2025/26 Ashes series approaches, one of England's greatest fast bowlers and long-time tormentors of Australian fans, James Anderson, has delivered a surprising forecast. Despite his reputation as a villain who frustrated Aussie batters for over two decades, Anderson believes the current Australian side has weaknesses that England could potentially expose.

However, the 43-year-old still expects the hosts to prevail in the upcoming contest. "I just think that Australia have been so strong, and so consistent in their team selection over the last 10 years, that this probably is their weakest team [in the last 15 years]," Anderson said. "I think they probably just edge out England in terms of being favorites, but I don't think there's much in it."

Anderson highlighted several areas of concern for the Australians, including the absence of captain Pat Cummins for at least the first Test, as well as uncertainty around their batting lineup. "There are doubts around who's going to bat in the top three, Pat Cummins missing is huge, for at least the first Test," he added. "I just think that there are question marks there, definitely, and there are cracks that England could potentially expose."

Despite these perceived weaknesses, Anderson still believes the quality of players like Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and Travis Head will make Australia a formidable opponent. The 2025/26 Ashes series promises to be a closely contested affair, with the former England great predicting a narrow victory for the hosts.