England captain Ben Stokes with coach Brendon McCullum. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Australian cricket legend Ian Healy has cautioned England about the crucial nature of the Perth Test in the upcoming Ashes series, predicting a potential 3-1 series loss if England fails to win the opening match at Perth starting November 21. England enters the series with minimal preparation, having only one three-day warm-up match scheduled at Lilac Hill Park from November 13-15. England has not won an Ashes series since 2015, with recent series in 2019 and 2023 ending in 2-2 draws. Their last Test victory in Australia dates back to 2011. “England will win a Test… (But) you will see how you look when you’re underdone in Perth – I hope England watch it. It was swinging and bouncing. All the batsmen were playing outrageous shots and getting caught. England, watch out, you’re doing the same thing,” Healy said on SENQ Breakfast. Healy expressed concerns about England’s preparation and their understanding of the Optus Stadium surface. “They’re coming in underdone, and our fast bowlers looked fresh and sharp last night (in the ODI against India). Are England going to win a Test? Yes, but I think it will be close, maybe 2-2. Perth is the most important Test. If England loses in Perth, they will lose 3-1. Win in Perth it’s 2-2,” he added. Healy also discussed his preference for the Australian batting lineup, suggesting Marnus Labuschagne as opener. Labuschagne, who faced challenges in recent years leading to his exclusion from the West Indies series, has shown promising form with four centuries in five innings across List A and Sheffield Shield matches for Queensland. “I’m very happy with Marnus’ form, he’s back. Marnus can open and he’s happy to go wherever selectors want him. I’ve got him at 1 and Khawaja at 2. Konstas comes in when Uzzie retires,” Healy stated. England’s last Ashes victory in Australia came during the 2010-11 series, which they won 3-1.
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