Trescothick: England’s new pace attack draws 2005 Ashes comparisons

England’s new-look pace attack has drawn comparisons with the famous 2005 Ashes-winning bowling unit after helping the side secure a Test series victory over Pakistan.

Interim head coach Marcus Trescothick believes Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue have the contrasting skills to be compared with England’s legendary 2005 quartet of Stephen Harmison, Matthew Hoggard, Simon Jones and Andrew Flintoff.

Trescothick, who was part of England’s team that regained the Ashes in 2005, said the similarities were clear.

“We do have some real skill, and you look back to 2005 and the sort of comparisons of Harmy, Fred, Simon and Hoggy, you could easily make those sort of comparisons,” he said.

“I’m enjoying the fact we’ve got four who are match fit at the moment and we’ve a few [other bowlers] behind it that we’re starting to get ready.”

England’s improved bowling performances have come during a period of major change. Ben Stokes’ retirement from Test cricket ended his spell as captain, while Joe Root has returned to lead the side.

The team have responded by selecting four frontline seamers instead of a specialist spinner, with Dan Lawrence providing a part-time off-spin option when required.

Robinson’s return has added another dimension to the attack. While Archer, Atkinson and Tongue can operate at high pace, Robinson relies heavily on accuracy and movement.

The combination has proved effective, with Robinson taking 23 wickets this summer at an average of 8.3.

“We’ve got a good contrast in what we’re trying to do at the moment,” Trescothick said.

“What we do have is three guys bowling at 92 miles an hour, which is really nice to have in your armoury and to have the potency in what you’re trying to do.”

The former England opener believes the attack will become even more effective as the bowlers gain experience playing together.

“The more that they play together and the more experience that everyone gets together, then it fits into place to how you want it to be,” he added.

England’s current success has already ended a difficult period in Test cricket. The side had managed only two victories in their previous 10 Tests before successive wins over Pakistan secured their first series triumph since 2024.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan, who led the team during the 2005 Ashes, believes the current attack should only be compared with his famous bowling unit if it goes on to win a major series.

However, Vaughan also believes the current group has the potential to achieve something special and challenge for Ashes success next summer.

England will now aim to complete a 3-0 series sweep against Pakistan in the third Test at Edgbaston, beginning on 9 September.

The team will also have to manage the absence of Brydon Carse, who was removed from the squad following an incident outside a nightclub in Derby. He is not expected to be considered again until investigations by police and the Cricket Regulator are completed.

Sam Cook, Sonny Baker and Matthew Fisher are the reserve seamers available to England, although the trio have only four Test caps between them.

Trescothick indicated that England are unlikely to make unnecessary changes as they target another victory.

“First and foremost I want to win the series 3-0, and I think if you’re going to do that you want to play the most consistent team possible,” he said.

England will assess the players’ fitness before finalising their team for the Edgbaston Test, but Trescothick insists completing the clean sweep remains the priority.