Ashes 2017/18: SWOT analysis of Australia ahead of the series

Weaknesses

The Aussies are not the most experienced team going around

Unsettled squad - The Australian Test team underwent a complete overhaul after their Ashes 2015 loss and the home drubbing by South Africa in 2016. Major re-shuffles in the batting-order have left a lot of slots open and there is no clarity as to who will play at which position.

Lack of experience - The new-look home team clearly lacks the experience of five-day cricket. Cameron Bancroft is yet to play his maiden Test while Hilton Cartwright has played just two. Although Matt Renshaw has a Test hundred under his belt, he has played only nine Tests in total.

Lack of Ashes experience - The Ashes series is both emotionally and physically exhausting. Newcomers find it really hard to cope with the pressure of a fiercely-contested series. The Australian squad lacks ample Test cricket experience, let alone the Ashes.