The whole country is against you when you play in Australia – Finn
England’s upcoming Ashes series in Australia promises to be a battle on and off the field, according to former fast bowler Steven Finn. In a recent interview, Finn described the unique pressure faced by visiting teams, where the entire nation seems united against them from the moment they arrive.
Finn, who played in the 2010-11 Ashes victory and the 2013-14 defeat, highlighted how the tour feels different from other cricket series. “From the moment you step off the plane, you realise it is not just you versus the Australia cricket team, but you against a vast majority of the country,” he said. This sense of opposition starts early, with strict customs checks and probing questions from media upon landing.
Drawing from his experiences, Finn recalled the excitement of his debut tour at age 21, where England’s comeback in the first Test of 2010 turned public opinion in their favor. In contrast, the 2013 series was tougher, marked by exhaustion from over-training and dominance by Australia’s Mitchell Johnson. Finn stressed the importance of balance—mixing practice with relaxation like golf to stay sharp mentally.
As the Ashes kicks off on November 21, 2025, Finn sees opportunities for the current England side. With Australia’s captain Pat Cummins and bowler Josh Hazlewood sidelined by injuries, England could end their 15-year drought of winning Down Under. He advised players to embrace bold decisions, adapt to local conditions, and use humor to handle the scrutiny.
Finn’s reflections underscore the mental resilience needed for such high-stakes cricket. For England, turning national hostility into respect will depend on strong performances that shift the narrative.
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