Former England captain Rob Key has warned the current team not to be ‘stupid’ in their approach to the upcoming Ashes series in Australia. Key, who played 15 Tests for England and was known for his astute leadership skills, believes that England’s chances of success Down Under will hinge on their ability to adapt to the challenging conditions.

In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Key said, “Australia is a tough place to tour, both on and off the field. The key for England will be to stay focused and not get caught up in the hype and hostility that comes with playing in Australia.”

Key pointed to the infamous ‘Bodyline’ series of 1932-33, where England’s aggressive tactics led to a diplomatic row between the two nations, as a cautionary tale for the current team. He stressed the importance of playing hard but fair cricket and maintaining composure in the face of provocation.

With Australia boasting a strong record at home and a fearsome pace attack led by Pat Cummins, Key believes that England will need to be at their best to compete in the Ashes series. He urged the team to focus on their own strengths and play to their potential, rather than getting drawn into mind games with the opposition.

“Australia will look to unsettle England with their aggressive brand of cricket, but the key is not to rise to the bait,” Key said. “England have the talent and the experience to compete, but they need to be smart and disciplined in their approach.”

Key also highlighted the importance of England’s senior players, such as Joe Root and Ben Stokes, stepping up and leading by example in Australia. He stressed the need for the team to have a clear game plan and stick to it, rather than being swayed by emotions or external factors.

As England prepare to face their oldest rivals in the Ashes, Key’s words of wisdom will no doubt resonate with the team. With the cricket world watching closely, the pressure will be on England to deliver a strong performance in Australia and show that they are capable of competing against the best in the world.