For The Love Of Cricket Broady’s Ashes verdict: Why England must win in Perth
Nov 20, 2025
Adam Collins, an Australian cricket journalist and commentator renowned for his insights on the game, joins Broady for an engaging discussion in Perth. They delve into the unique characteristics of the Optus Stadium pitch, exploring its speed and bounce. The duo debates England's seam-heavy squad selection and the strategic use of bowlers like Wood and Atkinson. With critical players missing for Australia, they ponder the pressure on England to secure a win and share personal stories of managing debut nerves of Ashes players. It's a thrilling forecast for a historic series!
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Perth Is An Old-School Pace Track
- Perth's Optus Stadium pitch is the fastest and bounciest in Australia since drop-ins were introduced.
- That old-school pace and bounce make playing four genuine quicks a sensible tactic for visiting teams.
England's Pace Depth Shapes Selection
- England's seam options (Wood, Atkinson, Archer, Kerr) give them flexibility to pick extra pace in Perth.
- Leaving Josh Tong out suggests selectors may favour experience or rotation over raw form for the first Test.
Debut Nerves Are Easier At 31
- Debuting in an Ashes Test is emotionally intense, but being 31 helps with control and experience.
- Broady and Adam recall how nerves often manifest on day one and why maturity can steady debutants.
