Ashes 2021-22: Experts back Australia to win but not everything is lost for England

The upcoming Ashes series is all set to begin on Wednesday (December 6) at Gabba in Brisbane. This will be the 72nd series between England and Australia. The lead-up to the high-octane contest is far from ideal as off-field controversies have managed to hog the limelight. The hosts have been hit hard by Tim Paine’s resignation due to the sexting scandal. Pat Cummins has now been entrusted with the task of captaining the Test team. Steve Smith has been named his deputy.  Smith's appointment as the vice-captain has not gone too well with a lot of experts. Ian Chappell has questioned CA’s strategy and feels Smith should not have been included in the leadership group. 

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Meanwhile, England have a fair share of off-field issues to deal with as well, with the board shell-shocked by the racism claims made by Azeem Rafiq.

Nonetheless, the teams will be looking to make the right noises on the field once the matches begin. Former England cricketer Isa Guha feels England have a much better chance of doing well Down Under this year than in 2017. She feels Australia are favourites but England can't be counted out.

"England have a much better chance than when they lost 4-0 four years ago. Both teams have shown vulnerabilities with the bat and both have quality bowling attacks."

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"Australia are favorites but, with Ben Stokes back, Joe Root coming off his brilliant year, and James Anderson probably on his last tour down under, it's all coming together nicely for England," Guha said.

Prediction: Australia 2-2 England.

Mitchell Johnson and Phil Tufnell have predicted Australia to win 3-2 and 3-1 respectively.

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"I have previously been saying 3-1 to Australia, but haven't been totally confident with it. There are a lot of variables and if there is a second pink-ball Test, it could be very tight. I have Australia just in front because they know the conditions well," Johnson said.

Prediction: Australia 3-2 England.

"I look at the England batting line-up and don't see enough runs. I know Mitchell Starc comes in for a lot of criticism but, with new skipper Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, it's the attack that knocked England over the last time they were there. Are England going to get to 400 or 500 often enough? No," said Tufnell.

Prediction: Australia 3-1 England