Reduced boundaries won’t win Ashes for England, both teams have got to bat: Ian Healy

Ian Healy. ( © Getty Images )

Former Australia cricketer Ian Healy believes that England must not think that shorter boundaries will give them an extra advantage in the upcoming Ashes 2023. Notably, Ben Stokes-led side has been extremely successful in the recent past courtesy of ‘Bazball’ – their aggressive brand of cricket, which has seen them winning series against New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan and the rescheduled Test against India in 2021.

However, Healy is not worried about England’s new tactics as he stated that the Aussie pacers will anyway bowl bouncers to trouble the English batters. The 59-year-old also mentioned that both teams will eventually in the same ground and the idea of having shorter boundaries will not help one particular team.

“Boundaries are the least of their (Australian team) worries. Why would they bother? There’s no need for that. Mis-hits will go for six, but that’s okay. Lots of modern-day mis-hits go for six anyway. I don’t feel that’s anything but clogging up your mind and overthinking too badly. They would know we’re going to bounce them. We’re coming at their armpits and their chest logos. So get your chest guards on. They’re going to make those square-of-the-wicket boundaries a little bit shorter so a mis-hit pull or hook might carry,” Healy stated while talking to SENQ Breakfast.

“What a load of junk. Australian grounds are twice the size of England grounds anyway that’s why there are less sixes from the Australian players. Who cares? Both teams have got to bat,” Healy added while talking to Big Sports Breakfast.

Notably, under ICC regulations, boundaries must be between 59 to 82 metres from the centre of the wicket, with the host board (ECB in this case) and ground staff determining the placement of the boundary rope.

The Ashes will begin on June 16 at Edgbaston followed by the second Test from June 28. The third one will start on July 6, while the fourth and fifth Test will start from July 19 and 27, respectively.