Next time, when England declare, surely, they will think twice – Ravichandran Ashwin picks Australia as favorites to win the Ashes

India’s veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels England will think twice before declaring in the ongoing Ashes series against Australia. England skipper Ben Stokes took a bold decision to declare at 393-8 in the first innings of the first Ashes Test after 78 overs.

Stokes revealed they wanted to pounce on Australia on the opening day and put their openers – Usman Khawaja and David Warner – under pressure. However, the trick didn’t work as the Australian openers remained unbeaten at stumps on Day one.

The decision was baffling for a lot of cricket experts as Joe Root was batting unbeaten on 118 while Ollie Robinson was settled at the crease on 17. In the end, England would have liked a few more runs on the board as Australia was able to get over the line in the run chase of 281 runs.

With the winning impetus on their side, Ashwin feels Australia will be favorites to win the ongoing Ashes. Australia had last won Ashes back in 2001 in the English conditions.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said: “Now, England might get a small doubt in their mind, but I don’t think they will change because it’s been only one Test. Next time, when England declare, surely, they will think twice.”

He continued: “In Test cricket, whatever you do upfront will come back to bite you or benefit you. It might have put a bit of doubt to England [camp] and belief in Australia’s dressing room. Australia go in the second Test, definitely being the favorites to win this Ashes.”

On the other hand, Ashwin showered praise on his Rajasthan Royals teammate Joe Root. The veteran England batter scored 118 in the first innings of the opening Test whereas he added 46 runs in the second dig.

“Everybody in England played in high tempo. What caught my eye, though, was Joe Root batting in GOD mode. He never looked like getting out. He got out in the name of Bazball going for his shots.”

Ashwin also reckons the role of a spinner becomes crucial and lauded Nathan Lyon for his superb spell. Lyon returned with figures of 4-149 in the first innings and then took 4-80 in the second essay. The veteran off-spinner also scored an invaluable knock of 16 runs in the second dig and added an unbeaten alliance of 55 with Pat Cummins.

The second Ashes Test will be played at Lord’s, from June 28 onwards.