If England loses in Perth, they will lose the Ashes 3-1: Former Australian cricketer

Former Australian cricketer Ian Healy has warned the England Test side ahead of the upcoming Ashes series in Australia, predicting a potential 3-1 series loss for the visitors if they fail to win the opening game in Perth, starting on November 21. 

However, he added that if England manages to bag a win in Perth, England can draw the series 2-2. For the unversed, England hasn’t won the Ashes since 2015, with recent series in 2019 and 2023 ending in a draw. Notably, their last Ashes victory in Australia came during the 2010-11 series, which they won 3-1.

"England will win a Test... (But) you will see how you look when you're underdone in Perth – I hope England watch it. It was swinging and bouncing. All the batsmen were playing outrageous shots and getting caught. England, watch out, you're doing the same thing," Healy said on SENQ Breakfast.

"They're coming in underdone, and our fast bowlers looked fresh and sharp last night (in the ODI against India). Are England going to win a Test? Yes, but I think it will be close, maybe 2-2. Perth is the most important Test. If England loses in Perth, they will lose 3-1. Win in Perth it's 2-2," he added.

Furthermore, Healy also opened up on Marnus Labuschagne coming back as an opener for the much-awaited Ashes series. Interestingly, Labuschagne was axed from the recently concluded West Indies Test series after showing poor form. However, he proved his worth with exceptional form of late in the domestic circuit. 

"I'm very happy with Marnus' form, he's back. Marnus can open and he's happy to go wherever selectors want him. I've got him at 1 and Khawaja at 2. Konstas comes in when Uzzie retires," Healy concluded.

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