The buzz around the upcoming Ashes is already touching the ceiling. The prestigious 5-match Test series will start in November, later this year. Before that, there were plenty of weeks left. But the cricket world already is witnessing the rising heat. Former cricketers from both nations have started to exchange words through various media platforms. 

Former England captain Nasser Hussain also joined the rank by issuing a warning to his nation's boys who will take a flight to Australia for The Ashes. Hussain said that there, in Australia, England cricketers will need to stay mentally tough. Because the visiting side has to deal with mind games. 

"I do think you need tough cricketers. And I mean people who would stand up out there. When you go out there, you are not taking on 11 Australian cricketers; you are taking on a nation. You’ll get out there, and the media will be on you. Within a week of landing, they will say, ‘Is this the worst England side ever to come?’ which was probably true in our case. Can’t bowl, can’t bat, can’t field. The headline will come out ‘Stuart Broad is a…something bloke", Nasser Hussain said while speaking to Sky Sports Cricket while sitting by the side of Stuart Broad. 

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'You have to be up for the fight'

For example, he mentioned Darren Gough, Ian Botham, Andrew Flintoff, and Stuart Broad, who achieved success against Australia, in Australia, not only for the skills they used to possess but also for the blend of skills and fearless nerves, according to Nasser. 

"So, you are taking on them; you are taking on the public. If you look historically, the characters, not just cricketers, who have done well against Australia—Darren Gough stood up to everyone, Ian Botham, Andrew Flintoff, and Stuart Broad. People that would not back down in a battle because that is what the Ashes is. It is a battle for however long, however many days, and you have to be up for the fight," he added. 

"People that will not back down in a battle" 😤

Nasser Hussain says England need 'tough cricketers' in their squad to travel to Australia for the Ashes 👊 pic.twitter.com/1dDhyaLsuh

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 3, 2025