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