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England warned: Lose Perth, you lose the Ashes
SEN • October 20th, 2025 11:18 am
Perth will be the most important Test of the forthcoming Ashes series and Marnus Labuschagne must open for Australia, says Ian Healy.
It’s been a rollercoaster of a year for Labuschagne who was dropped in favour of Sam Konstas after the World Test Championship in June.
But it seems his hiatus from the West Indies Tour a month later was a blessing in disguise with Labuschagne in terrific form so far this Shield season and getting a late call up to Australia’s One Day team.
The Queenslander has four centuries in all formats in the past month, which Healy says is more than enough for him to be opening against England in Perth on November 21.
“I’m very happy with Marnus’ form, he’s back,” Healy said on SENQ Breakfast.
“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.”
Given the paucity of options for openers, Healy is backing Labuschagne to make his mark on this series with Cam Green at 3, Smith at 4, Head 5 and Webster in at 6.
Australia’s one-day victory against India overnight should also be sounding alarm bells withing the England team, according to Healy, who believes the visitors are coming in underdone and underestimating the surface at Optus Stadium.
“England will win a test,” he added. “(But) you will see how you look when you’re under done 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. They’re coming in under done and our fast bowlers looked fresh and sharp last night.
“England watch out, you’re doing the same thing. They’re coming in under done and our fast bowlers looked fresh and sharp last night.
“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 lose in Perth they will lose 3-1. Win in Perth it’s 2-2.”
