Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan predicted the Ashes would end in a 2-2 draw (Image credit: Agencies) NEW DELHI: Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan has predicted that the Ashes will end in a 2-2 draw, with Australia and England winning two Tests each and drawing one. Vaughan also believes Ben Stokes-led England will start the series opener in Perth due to the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.“As long as Ben Stokes stays fit I think this series will be 2-2… England will win in Perth without Pat or Josh… If we don’t have any injuries before the first test, that’s my final prediction,” Vaughan wrote on X.A day earlier, the former England captain suggested England would hold the advantage in the Ashes opener after Australia lost their premiership fast bowling duo. Cummins is recovering from a back injury while Hazlewood suffered a hamstring strain during New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria at the SCG on Wednesday.“Hazlewood from the first Test as well as Cummins. Ominous early signs that the run on the green you need to win a big series will go England’s way. Massive chance for them to step up in Perth,” Vaughan said.Currently, Mitchell Starc is the only fully fit frontline pacer in the Australian team, with the code name Scott Boland. Hazlewood’s injury could prompt the hosts to consider using Cameron Green and Beau Webster as bowling all-rounders.With Cummins, Abbott and Hazlewood on the sidelines, uncapped fast bowler Brendan Doggett could be in line for a surprise Test debut in Perth. Doggett has been in good form, picking up two five-wicket hauls for South Australia since returning from a hamstring injury.The Ashes will open on November 21 in Perth and run until January 2026, with the final Test scheduled to begin on January 4 in Sydney.
