Former England fast bowler Chris Woakes has acknowledged a tactical boost for the visiting team, thanking Australia for handing England a “small advantage” by moving the first Ashes Test away from its traditional fortress, the Gabba in Brisbane.
A Welcome Change of Venue
The highly anticipated series will now commence on November 21 at Perth’s Optus Stadium, marking the first time since 1982 that the iconic contest has not begun in Brisbane. The Gabba, nicknamed the ‘Gabbatoir’ for its history of home-team dominance, will instead host the second Test as a day-night match.
Woakes expressed his surprise at the scheduling shift. “Australia have a great Ashes record at the Gabba so if I was them I’d want to be playing there first up,” he said, referencing Australia’s seven wins from ten matches at the venue since 1986. “As an England player, knowing you won’t be going there first where there’s a bit of a baggage is a definite bonus.”
England's Historical Baggage in Brisbane
Woakes, who retired from international cricket after missing Ashes selection due to a shoulder injury, was part of the England side that suffered a devastating nine-wicket loss at the Gabba four years ago. That defeat followed a brutal 10-wicket loss in 2017 and a 381-run thrashing in 2013, cementing a poor run for England at the Brisbane ground.
In contrast, Optus Stadium remains a relative unknown for Ashes cricket, with its planned 2021 debut cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. This lack of a formidable history provides a psychological lift for the tourists.
Preparations and Pace Arsenal
The England squad has already arrived in Perth ahead of a solitary warm-up match against the England Lions development squad, scheduled from Thursday to Saturday. However, their preparations have been questioned by former captain Michael Vaughan, who pointed out the vast difference between the warm-up ground and the main stadium.
A significant point of hope for England lies in their pace attack. The return of Jofra Archer alongside Mark Wood offers a potent threat on Australian pitches. Woakes believes the team is well-equipped. “They definitely have the tools to perform well in Australia,” he said. “We can get a bit obsessed about who the leader of the attack is but it might be shared around this winter. We’ll need different guys to stand up at different times.”
While welcoming any edge, Woakes was quick to add that the “small advantage” must be capitalised on. “The main thing is that you still have to go out and perform against a very good team in challenging conditions,” he concluded.
