Former Test spinner Steve O’Keefe has sensationally tipped England to regain the Ashes, warning Australia will “get dusted” at home this summer by a pace attack that is ready to right the wrongs of previous touring sides.
England hasn’t won a Test Down Under since their famous series win in 2010-11, but O’Keefe – who played nine Tests for Australia – is backing the tourists to win back the urn after going so close in the most recent series.
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While Australia boasts the best attack in the world, O’Keefe says England’s bowlers will do well in these conditions and shock the world under coach Brendon McCullum.
“Don’t miss the mail here, I’m calling it – England 3-2,” O’Keefe said on SEN Sportsday NSW.
“I’m saying that the Aussies are going to get dusted on their home track.
“They’ve got some great quicks in Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue, just to name a few.
“I just think that they are ready, they’ve got the right attack this time. They used to bring over some players, and you just never had that feeling that they were ever close or good enough.
“They were the superior team when they beat us twice before in the past. In 2010, they had the better team.
“This time, you could argue and say that they don’t, but I’m just saying it’s the right team in the right form to come over. I just think that the timing is right. It’s been 15 years since 2010.
“I think that this is their time to win under McCullum.”
While their bowlers should thrive, the key for England lies with their batting, which has struggled in recent trips to Australia.
Veteran Joe Root only trails Sachin Tendulkar on the list for most Test runs, but he’s never reached triple digits on these shores and must buck the trend to allow England’s big hitters to unleash their brand of Bazball.
“Joe Root’s in the form of his life,” O’Keefe said.
“Couple that with Harry Brook, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley.
“I think the wickets will be flatter and they are going to look to wreak havoc against this Australian attack and take them on, and I think that’s what’s going to put pressure on the Aussies, and ultimately, I think they’ll fail under that pressure.
“What they’ve got is repeated fast-bowling options, there’s no let-off, and they are going to challenge this Australian team.”
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