Australia or England? Graeme Swann predicts the scoreline of Ashes 2025–26

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With the Ashes 2025–26 just weeks away, anticipation is building for what promises to be another blockbuster chapter in cricket’s oldest rivalry. The five-Test series, starting November 21 in Perth, has already sparked intense debate among fans and experts about which side holds the upper hand. Adding his voice to the growing list of predictions, former England spinner Graeme Swann has shared a bold scoreline that is sure to excite England supporters and raise eyebrows in Australian circles.

Swann, one of England’s greatest modern-day spinners and a key figure in their successful 2009 and 2010–11 Ashes campaigns, believes the upcoming series will be packed with drama and decisive outcomes. Unlike previous tours where draws occasionally shaped the series, Swann expects every Test to produce a clear winner.

His prediction signals an intense, high-risk showdown—something that aligns perfectly with England’s bold ‘Bazball’ philosophy under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. Swann’s confidence in England’s ability to edge the hosts also reflects his belief in their aggressive approach and improved mental toughness on overseas tours.

“I think every game will be a result and I think England will pip it 3-2,” Swann said, as quoted by Metro.co.uk.

England have traditionally struggled in Australia, having failed to win an Ashes series Down Under since 2010–11. Their recent tours have been particularly difficult, including a 4-0 defeat in 2021–22. However, Swann suggests the current squad’s fearless, positive mindset could be the difference this time around.

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Ahead of the Perth Test, both teams have confirmed their squads, with Australia naming their XI and England announcing a 12-member unit. Australia have handed Test debuts to Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett—Weatherald set to become Usman Khawaja’s seventh opening partner since 2022, while Doggett joins Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland as the third seamer.

For England, Ollie Pope retains the No. 3 spot after scoring 100 and 90 in the warm-up match, and Mark Wood has been declared fit following hamstring soreness. Young spinner Shoaib Bashir is also included in the squad. On a grassy Perth pitch expected to assist fast bowlers, England have kept all four pacers—Wood, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Gus Atkinson—available as part of their seam-heavy approach.

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