{
  "id": 17990406,
  "title": "'Past players will start to go at them': Ex-England cricketer warns Australia ahead of 2027 Ashes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/past-players-will-start-to-go-at-them-ex-england-cricketer-warns-17990406",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T16:44:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/past-players-start-them-ex-164400954.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former England cricketer Michael Atherton has warned Australia to brace for increased pressure during their upcoming white-ball tour of Australia in 2027. Atherton believes that factors such as Australia's recent poor Test form, selection concerns, and an intense international schedule could lead to the team's downfall. Australia recently suffered a 2-1 Test series loss to South Africa, losing their top ranking and World Test Championship position. Additionally, Marnus Labuschagne's inconsistent performance has sparked questions about his position in the team.\n\nEngland will contest three ODIs and five T20Is against Australia, commencing on November 13. Notably, Australia will be absent key fast-bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, who are preparing for a challenging Test schedule. Australia is set to face New Zealand in a four-match Test series prior to their departure for India to play five Tests in early 2027.\n\nAtherton urges England to capitalize on Australia's current vulnerabilities and maintain a challenging atmosphere throughout the series. He suggests that the absence of star players might create pressure on the selectors, certain players, and the team's performance standards. Atherton also anticipates that past players of Australia might become increasingly critical if the team continues to struggle.\n\nFormer Australia opener David Warner echoed Atherton's sentiments, criticizing the team's batting performance, particularly following Australia's 2-1 Test series loss to South Africa. Warner expressed his disappointment with the lack of determination shown by the batters, calling it \"un-Australian\" and \"disgraceful.\" He emphasized the need for the batters to support the bowlers and maintain a fighting spirit. Warner concluded by urging the team to address these concerns before the 2027 Ashes commence in June.",
  "summary": "Former England cricketer Michael Atherton has urged England to \"keep the pressure on Australia\" during their upcoming white-ball series, warning that the hosts could \"implode\" before the 2027 Ashes. Australia are struggling after losing 2-1 to South Africa, with batting concerns and selection questions. David Warner has also criticised their poor performances, while key pacers will miss the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "'Past players will start to go at them': Ex-England cricketer warns Australia",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/past-players-will-start-to-go-at-them-ex-england-cricketer-warns",
        "published": "2026-11-03T11:14:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}