Nasser Hussain ignites the Ashes rivalry with hilarious video

The Ashes are less than 24 hours away, and excitement is building around the country ahead of the most eagerly-anticipated series since 2005.

One man in particular is looking forward to the first Test getting underway at Edgbaston on Friday – Sky Sports pundit and Mail Sport columnist Nasser Hussain.

Hussain played for England between 1989 and 2004, and captained the side from 1999 until 2003, so knows all about the Ashes rivalry. 

England are looking to win the Ashes for the first time in eight years, and Hussain has issued a rallying cry on the eve of the latest series.

Standing at the world famous Lord’s cricket ground, Hussain started his monologue by promising that a ‘summer of extraordinary cricket’ is on the way.

Ben Stokes and Pat Cummins are set to lead their respective countries in the Ashes

The women’s Ashes also promises to be exciting, and they get underway next week

He then moved on to start comparing English and Australian traditions. ‘It’s the Lions vs the Wallabies! It’s Stokes vs Cummins!’ he began.

The women’s Ashes also starts next week, and Hussain was keen not to overlook another exciting series as he continued: ‘It’s Heather Knight vs Alyssa Healy!’

After comparing Lord’s to the MCG, Hussain’s rant then took a more jovial tone as he joked: ‘It’s Bangers vs Shrimp! Statham vs Jackman! Hamilton vs Ricciardo!’

He then turned to footwear and transport, adding: ‘Wellies against Thongs! It’s Vans vs Utes!’

Hobbies, beaches and even soap operas were the next targets as Hussain went on. ‘It’s Soccer vs Surfing! Chums vs Mates! Blackpool vs Bondi! It’s Corrie vs Neighbours!’

There was no stopping Hussain now. ‘Manchester vs Melbourne! Benidorm vs Bali! Conkers against Boomerangs! Speedos vs Budgy Smugglers!’

Hussain even went with a controversial take, looking straight down the camera as he said: ‘How about this? Kylie vs Dannii! You heard what I said.’ 

Hussain compared Blackpool Beach (left) to Bondi Beach (right) in his hilarious Ashes video

He wasn’t finished there either, rounding off his list by adding: ‘Marmite vs Vegemite! Middleton against Blanchett! Justin Rose against Jason Day! Its Rishi against Tony! England vs Australiaaaaaa!’

This summer’s Ashes promises to be something special, with England having won 11 of their 13 Tests under Ben Stokes, playing a brand of cricket never seen before in the longest format of the game.

Meanwhile, Australia became World Test Champions on Sunday, and will be looking to win an Ashes in England for the first time since 2001.

Hussain missed one comparison off his list. Bazball vs Ronball! Which way of playing will come out on top? We’re not far away from finding out. 

Every match of the men’s and women’s Ashes will be shown exclusively live on Sky Sports and NOW from 16th June.