Former cricketer David Lloyd has predicted that England will win the Ashes 4-0 after previously insisting it would be an Australian whitewash.
Lloyd was previously concerned with the lack of ‘fire’ and ‘aggression’ in England’s lineup, but admitted things have changed ahead of the first Test - which begins on December 8 local time at the Gabba.
In his column for The Daily Mail, Lloyd suggested the return of Ben Stokes massively affects his outlook of how the series might play out.
“Not only have they added a fit-again Ben Stokes - and I’m told he is firing on all cylinders - but there has been a massive shifting of the goalposts,” Lloyd wrote.
“And that’s left me feeling much more optimistic. I’ll now go 4-0 to the tourists!”
Lloyd, who coached England from 1996 to 1999, suggested the forecast rain could play into England’s hands.
He believes the ‘pace and bounce’ that makes the Gabba a difficult stadium for the visiting team to win at will be negated, with storms forecast for the remainder of the Test.
“It sounds like it’s going to be an English early-season type seaming pitch with no great pace, which brings England right into this Ashes — even though their almost complete lack of preparation is a real hold-your-breath factor,” Lloyd added.
“Rather than thinking in terms of getting out of Brisbane with a rain-affected draw, England should now be confident of having the better hand for these conditions. Jimmy Anderson’s absence is a blow, but Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes should both play.
“Ollie Robinson is another certainty for the first Test which starts tonight. But the big question, with Stokes certain to play and provide balance, is whether spinner Jack Leach should be included or if England should lengthen the batting line-up.”
The 74-year-old admitted he would select Woakes in the final bowling spot as he adds to the batting strength of the team, although he expressed concern with the lack of match practice.
He cited Graham Gooch as someone that used to encourage doing as much preparation and warm-up matches as possible - but he is aware that the home side have also not prepared in an ideal way.
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“Australia have had just as little preparation as England - even less with the red ball - and have had to change their captain at the last moment, with the rarity of a fast bowler, Pat Cummins, taking over from Tim Paine,” Lloyd wrote.
“He’s very capable and a wonderful bowler but I see Steve Smith has been shoved in as vice-captain and there’s no doubt in my mind he’ll lead the side in all but name.”
While Lloyd is also worried about the strength of England’s opening batsmen, he is confident England will come out on top and reclaim the urn for the first time since 2015.
“It’s a team I can see upsetting the odds and winning the Ashes,” Lloyd concluded.
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