Table of Contents
As the cricketing world turns its attention to the fast-approaching Ashes 2025-26 series, a bold and surprising proclamation has come from one of Australia‘s most respected figures, Ricky Ponting. The legendary former captain has offered a stunning assessment of the visiting England side under Ben Stokes, suggesting they are the most formidable squad to tour Australia in over two decades.
Ricky Ponting’s praise for England’s ‘best team this century’ ahead of Ashes 2025-26
In a statement that has sent ripples through the cricket world, Ponting has declared the current England touring party as the most potent they have assembled in the modern era, a claim that adds significant weight to the anticipation surrounding the Ashes.
Speaking on SEN, the Australian great went beyond typical pre-series analysis to give a glowing endorsement of the English squad, highlighting their self-belief and formidable composition. Ponting stated, “England are talking themselves up more; they’re confident coming to Australia with the group of players they’ve got and fair enough, this is the best team they’ve had probably this century.”
Ponting elaborated on the specific strengths that justify this high praise, pointing to a perfect storm of attributes that make them particularly dangerous in Australian conditions. Ponting detailed his reasoning, adding, “Their balance, experience, fast bowling attack looks well-suited to conditions.” This assessment points to England’s strategic depth, including multi-dimensional players who provide crucial balance, a core group of senior players hardened by previous tours, and a battery of fast bowlers whose height and pace are theoretically perfect for exploiting the bounce of Australian pitches, making this a rare occasion where an Australian legend has so openly praised a touring English side’s chances before a ball has been bowled.
The ‘bazball’ blueprint and Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes’ dominant record
Ponting’s analysis further credits the transformative leadership of coach Brendon McCullum and captain Stokes, suggesting their revolutionary “Bazball” approach was conceived with one ultimate goal in mind: conquering Australia on their home soil.
The success of this aggressive philosophy is undeniable; under the Stokes-McCullum partnership, England have redefined Test cricket, achieving a remarkable record of 25 wins from 41 matches. Ponting believes this success is no accident, but a deliberate strategy.
Ponting explained, “If you break it down, this whole Bazball phenomenon, the way they play their cricket is about Brendan putting a group together that can play in Australia. I don’t think it’s been about anything other than winning in Australia.” However, Ponting also framed this against the monumental historical challenge England faces, noting that they “have to turn history upside down” given they have secured “only four Test wins in Australia this century.”
This sets up a fascinating clash of styles between a record-breaking English side and the traditional Australian approach at home. Ponting concluded that this very contrast is what makes the series so compelling: “We know how England want to play, we know how Australia do play. The two different ways coming together in Perth will be unbelievable.”
