As the final Ashes Test looms in Sydney, England captain Ben Stokes and his team will be desperate to replicate the jubilant scenes of their Melbourne victory. After a hard-fought series, securing two wins in a row would provide a significant boost. Here are the five critical areas England must address to triumph at the SCG.
Embrace Unorthodox and Fearless Leadership
Ben Stokes's early tenure as captain was defined by innovative, outside-the-box thinking. Recalling the bold move to send Brydon Carse in at number three during the Melbourne chase – a decision that stunned spectators – exemplifies the 'freak-them-out' energy that initially served him so well. While the scorebook shows Carse made only six runs, the tactic had logic, leveraging his power-hitting ability, and successfully altered the game's momentum.
Stokes's history of creative fields in Pakistan and the decision to open with spinner Jack Leach three years ago are hallmarks of this approach. With the potential for a flat Sydney pitch aimed at avoiding another short match, a return to this inventive, proactive captaincy could be England's best weapon to disrupt Australia's plans.
Bowl with Discipline and Seam the New Ball
A persistent issue for England's attack this series has been inconsistent line and length, often bowling too short and wide. The partnership between Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland in Brisbane highlighted this flaw. The turnaround must start with a simple plan: pitch the ball up and attack the top-of-off-stump corridor that has brought Australian bowlers such success.
Josh Tongue, the player of the match in Melbourne with seven wickets, has forcefully staked his claim. After being overlooked for the first two Tests, he has demonstrated a potent ability to affect games. Stokes should hand him the new ball in Sydney and back him to make early inroads once again.
Back Carse and Unleash Potts
Despite being the series' second-highest wicket-taker with 19 scalps, Brydon Carse has sometimes struggled for control. His brilliant delivery to bowl Travis Head in Melbourne, however, is the blueprint. If he can find that rhythm consistently in Sydney, he can justify the faith shown in him and become a genuine match-winner.
With Gus Atkinson injured, Matthew Potts is in line for a recall. The Durham seamer, who took seven wickets on his Test debut, offers a relentless, nagging accuracy reminiscent of Australia's Scott Boland. After carrying drinks for much of the tour, he will be eager to prove his worth and could form a potent partnership with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith standing up to the stumps.
Crawley's Chance for a Defining Sydney Knock
For Zak Crawley, Sydney holds special significance. His fluent 77 from 100 balls here four years ago cemented his place in the side. Now, as England's highest run-scorer in this series, he has another opportunity to convert promising starts into a match-defining score. A major innings at the SCG could propel his Test career to a new level, while another failure will intensify scrutiny on his place.
The challenge for Crawley is to bat long and anchor the innings, providing the platform for England's aggressive middle order. His comfort against pace and bounce makes Sydney a fitting stage for him to finally deliver a century that shapes a Test result.
Ultimately, England's hopes in Sydney rest on a combination of strategic bravery and basic execution. Stokes must inspire his team to play with the fearless freedom of his early captaincy, while the bowlers must find the disciplined length that has eluded them. If they can marry innovation with accuracy, a repeat of those Melbourne celebrations is a distinct possibility.
