# Michael Atherton warns Australia could implode before Ashes

> Michael Atherton warns Australia could implode before Ashes as England target white-ball series.
- Title: Michael Atherton warns Australia could implode before Ashes
- Summary: Michael Atherton warns Australia could implode before Ashes as England target white-ball series.
- Keywords: marnus labuschagne, australia, england, ashes, white-ball series, test cricket, michael atherton, joe root, travis head, alex carey, cameron green, matt rensshaw
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/cricket/news/12040/13607326/michael-atherton-says-australia-could-implode-before-ashes-and-urges-england-to-keep-pressure-on-in-white-ball-series
- Published: 2026-11-03T08:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: marnus labuschagne, australia, england, ashes, white-ball series, test cricket, michael atherton, joe root, travis head, alex carey, cameron green, matt rensshaw
## Australia's batting crisis
Australia faces batting issues after losing Test series to South Africa.

> Australia have got problems
## Marnus Labuschagne's Test struggles
Labuschagne has gone 49 innings without a Test century and may be axed.

> Marnus Labuschagne who has gone 49 innings without a Test century
## South Africa's Test victory
South Africa beat Australia in decider to top Test rankings.

> South Africa beat Australia in decider to top Test rankings
## Australia's bowling concerns
Australia's bowling attack must handle multiple series before Ashes.

> A generational, certainly, but aging bowling attack
## England's white-ball tour
England play three ODIs and five T20Is in Australia from November 13.

> Harry Brook's England play three ODIs and five T20Is in Australia between November 13 and December 2
## Michael Atherton's warning
Atherton warns Australia could 'implode' before Ashes and urges England to keep pressure on.

> You could see it going horribly wrong, couldn't you?
## David Warner's criticism
Warner called Australia's performance 'terrible', 'disgraceful' and 'un-Australian'.

> David Warner branded the capitulation with the bat in Cape Town as 'terrible', 'disgraceful' and 'un-Australian'
## England's potential advantage
England could leave pre-Ashes scars on Australia with white-ball series.

> England will feel they have a great chance to leave some pre-Ashes scars on their rivals
## Key takeaway

Michael Atherton warns Australia could implode before Ashes as England target white-ball series.