"Australia Can't Win The Ashes": Ian Healy's Blunt Verdict On Test Team

Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Ian Healy has called for changes to Australia's Test setup, particularly in the pace-bowling department, if the team is to regain the Ashes in England. The 2023 World Test Championship winners have continued to underwhelm, with inconsistent batting and patchy bowling performances contributing to a series defeat in South Africa. Questions remain over the form of Marnus Labuschagne, the ageing pace trio of captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, as well as veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, as Australia look to rebuild during the 2025-27 WTC cycle. Speaking to SEN, Healy said he does not believe Australia can currently win the Ashes in England and expressed concern that improvements in the batting line-up are not happening quickly enough.

"No, it cannot (win the Ashes in the UK), because it does not seem to be happening with our batters, does it? Our batters are not coming in and making hundreds early doors. Josh Inglis did, but he has been around the squad for about four years. They have carried him as a second wicketkeeper and a handy batter," Healy said.

Healy urged selectors to begin integrating white-ball pacer Xavier Bartlett into the Test setup and also give Fergus O'Neill exposure to the demands of international cricket.

"Wholesale changes, not really, but we better get a fast bowler going. Xavier Bartlett, I would like to see him get a Test here or there. Get him away from white-ball cricket too. He's got a very successful role to play in red-ball cricket. We had better start giving him and Fergus O'Neill from Victoria some exposure to the pressure of fast bowling in Tests," he said.

In 12 ODIs, Bartlett has taken 23 wickets at an average of 21.91, including two four-wicket hauls. In 22 T20Is, he has claimed 24 wickets at an average of 22.83.

In first-class cricket, Bartlett has taken 127 wickets in 34 matches for Queensland at an average of just over 24, including five five-wicket hauls.

O'Neill has an equally impressive record, with 205 wickets in 53 first-class matches at an average of 20.32, including 11 five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket match haul. He was Victoria's leading wicket-taker in last season's Sheffield Shield, claiming 35 wickets in nine matches at an average of 18.80.

Healy also said it is time for Australia to make a difficult decision regarding Lyon, though he stopped short of suggesting the veteran be dropped outright.

"Yes, it is time (for a tough call on Lyon). But not to rule him out. I have got him in a bowl-off in the next two Shield games. He has got to show me some form in these two Shield games," Healy said.

"I am even giving him the third one off to get ready for the Tests, even if he is bowling very well. He did not bowl consistently well enough for me. He didn't turn and bounce the ball like he has in the past. I have got him in a bowl-off with the likes of Todd Murphy and Corey Rocchiccioli," he added.

Lyon has taken 10 wickets in four Tests this year at an average of 41.20, with best figures of 3/25.

During the South Africa series, he was outperformed by Simon Harmer, who claimed 14 wickets in three Tests at an average of 29.35, including a 10-wicket match haul in the final Test. Lyon managed just six wickets in the series at an average of 43.66.

Australia's next assignment is a four-Test home series against New Zealand, beginning on December 9.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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