The talk around England’s Ashes campaign has been full of cheek and criticism since they touched down in Australia.
Ben Stokes has been branded a “cocky complainer,” and Joe Root can’t seem to shake the “Average Joe” tag.
If England stumble in next week’s first Test in Perth, there’s no doubt the local papers will have a field day.
But maybe, just maybe, the real story this time isn’t about England’s nerves or their batting collapses.
It’s about Australia’s growing headache — a fast-bowling unit that suddenly looks far less bulletproof than usual.
Australia’s Injury Headache Grows Before a Ball Is Bowled
It began with a minor worry and has snowballed into a full-blown concern.
Pat Cummins, the Australian skipper and spearhead of their attack, has already been ruled out of the first Test with a back niggle and might not even make it for the second in Brisbane.
As if that wasn’t unsettling enough, Josh Hazlewood is now nursing a tight hamstring.
And Sean Abbott, who might have been called in as backup, is also sidelined with the same problem. Suddenly, the hosts are limping toward the Optus Stadium — a role usually reserved for visiting English sides.
A Rare Twist in the Injury Tale
Usually, it’s England who are the walking wounded the moment they land Down Under.
History is full of sorry tales: players flying out mid-series, replacements breaking down just as quickly, and the Aussie press gleefully labelling them fragile tourists.
Chris Silverwood, now England’s coach, once found himself in that exact situation back in 2002–03.
Called up as cover after a string of injuries, he managed four overs in Perth before hurting his ankle — never to bowl for England again.
This time, though, the script feels different.
England’s Bowlers Are Fit, Firing and Full of Energy
For once, the English quicks are smiling.
Mark Wood is back in rhythm after his summer knee issue, Jofra Archer is looking sharp and confident after his comeback against India, and even Brydon Carse has sorted out his long-standing toe problem with the help of a specially designed boot.
Then there’s Gus Atkinson, who took five wickets in his last Test at The Oval, and of course, Stokes himself — ready to bowl again after shoulder trouble.
No one’s pretending the entire squad will make it through a gruelling five-Test series unscathed, but for now, England look far more settled than their rivals.
Australia Face the Reality of Age and Fatigue
Losing Cummins, who has racked up 309 wickets at an astonishing average of 22, is a body blow.
Even if he returns for Brisbane, there’s no guarantee he’ll be firing on all cylinders.
Hazlewood’s situation isn’t much better — 295 wickets at 24, but at nearly 35 years old, he’s not getting any younger, and his hamstring has been a repeat offender in recent seasons.
Cricket Australia are downplaying the issue, insisting he’ll be fine, but the truth is clear: he’s a risk.
And if he’s ruled out, the next man in line, Brendan Doggett, has never played a Test and didn’t exactly turn heads during his recent spell with Durham.
A ‘Dad’s Army’ Under Pressure
For a team already ribbed about its aging line-up, this is the worst possible timing.
Among Australia’s 15-man squad, only Cameron Green is under 30.
It’s a reality that’s hard to ignore when niggles start turning into layoffs before the first ball has even been bowled.
And the batting order isn’t looking particularly settled either.
Green might have to step up as a fifth bowler, though his recent workload in the domestic season has been light.
If he’s shifted to No. 3 in the batting order, Marnus Labuschagne could be forced to open — a reshuffle that plays right into England’s hands.
England’s Chance to Strike Early
The Ashes have always been a test of endurance rather than speed, and the long gaps between early matches — eight days between Perth and Brisbane, and again before Adelaide — will help Australia’s veterans rest and regroup.
Still, right now, the balance feels unexpectedly in England’s favour.
They’re healthy, hungry, and far less frail than the headlines suggest.
For once, it’s the home side who look nervy before the first ball of the series.
If things stay this way, England might just begin the Ashes with something they haven’t had in years — quiet confidence.0