If I were picking Australia’s team for the first Ashes Test, this would be my XI

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If I were picking Australia’s team for the first Ashes Test, this would be my XI

Greg Chappell Former Australian Test captain November 2, 2025 — 8.45am Advertisement

“Know the enemy and know yourself. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

– Sun Tzu, The Art of War

The media backgrounding by Australian selectors over the past few weeks is reminiscent of pre-budget leaks by treasurers to soften us up for unpalatable tax increases.

England haven’t won a Test match in Australia in 14 years. But they have been selecting teams in recent months with an unerring focus on the Ashes. Mark Wood and Jofra Archer have been kept in cotton wool. They must pair up at least in the first two Tests. If fit, they will