Sky Sports Cricket Podcast Ashes Q&A: Nas and Ath answer YOUR questions
Nov 27, 2025
Nasser and Michael tackle burning questions about the Ashes, sparking debates on England's choice to skip a tour match and the fairness of the Perth pitch rating. They reflect on the mental pressure faced by players like Zach Crawley after tough performances. The hosts dig into tactical insights for Brisbane's day-night Test, consider the future of Usman Khawaja in Australia’s squad, and share personal Ashes memories. They also provide sage advice for skipper Ben Stokes on staying calm under pressure.
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Perth Pitch: Pace Sorted Batters
- The Perth pitch offered pace and carry but rewarded every mistake, explaining the two-day finish.
- Atherton argues ICC 'very good' rating fits because pace and bounce legitimately sorted batters out.
Let Players Request Match Time
- If a batter requests match practice, be flexible and allow a competitive hit to rebuild confidence.
- But Atherton prefers preparing at the Gabba to get used to bounce, heat and pink-ball conditions.
Pink Ball Creates Rapid Condition Swings
- The pink ball swings more in twilight and night, producing quick condition changes across a day-night Test.
- That shift creates tactical possibilities like altering the batting order to exploit daytime batting spells.