When I look down the England batting order, I see players who love to feel bat on ball, impose themselves on the contest and keep the scoreboard ticking. I also see compulsive hookers and opportunities for wickets. If the pitches for the Ashes are a bit sporting, and they will be, how will England handle it?

That’s a massive question mark for me. Every batter in the world is vulnerable to good lines and lengths early, so Australia’s plan A will be to keep it simple. But what about when Bazball gains momentum? I’ve broken down the strengths and weaknesses of the England top seven so you don’t have to.

England coach Brendon McCullum invented “Bazball”, and batter Harry Brook is one of its chief proponents.Credit: Marija Ercegovac

In 2023, Crawley hit the first ball of the Ashes for four. That’s why I didn’t mind the Aussies’ more defensive fields. If he looks up and sees a deep point, he thinks, “I can’t get my early boundary there.” Or he might try a little push to get off the mark with a single, and create a chance.

He’ll drive on the up, a low percentage shot in Australian conditions, with the extra pace and bounce. We used to see that in Shield games all the time with the New South Welshmen coming over to the WACA and playing these big, expansive drives. It was catching practice in the slips.

Zak Crawley smashes the first ball of the 2023 Ashes through cover for four.Credit: Getty

Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are huge omissions for Australia in Perth. Without them, Scotty Boland becomes the No.1 weapon to Crawley. His natural angle is to come back in, but if he can........

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