Reduced boundaries won't win Ashes for England: Healy

Ian Healy says England are at risk of overthinking the Ashes series if they push for shortened boundaries against Australia in a bid to suit the hosts' new-found attacking approach to Test cricket.

A UK newspaper reported England officials had hoped to utilise smaller grounds this winter, with boundary ropes brought in well off the fence.

Under ICC regulations, boundaries must be between 59 metres and 82 metres from the centre of the wicket, with the host board and ground staff determining the placement of the rope.

Smaller stadiums in England generally lead to shorter boundaries regardless, as opposed to much larger venues in Australia such as the MCG and Optus Stadium.

If the ropes were brought in, the aim would be to promote faster scoring while also decreasing the risk of dismissal from mis-hits.

But Healy, who was a part of three Ashes series wins in England, claimed that England were at risk of letting Australia get into their heads too much in the lead up to the series. 

"Boundaries are the least of their worries. Why would they bother?" he told SENQ Breakfast.

"There's no need for that.

"Mis-hits will go for six, but that's OK. Lots of modern-day mis-hits go for six anyway.

"I don't feel that's anything but clogging up your mind and overthinking too badly.

"They would know we're going to bounce them. We're coming at their armpits and their chest logos.

"So get your chest guards on. They're going to make those square-of-the-wicket boundaries a little bit shorter so a mis-hit pull or hook might carry."

Australia's game with the ball has long been built on trying to sustain pressure and strangle teams.

In Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, Australia have three of the most consistent bowlers in the world who each go at well below three runs an over.

England will no doubt look to unsettle Australia with the way they play under Brendon McCullum.

Since McCullum's appointment as coach last May, England have won 10 of 12 Tests and scored at a faster rate than any other team at 4.76 an over.

Australia are next quickest, at a run-rate of 3.56.

England's 86 sixes are also more than any other team, compared to Australia's 32 in 11 Tests.

But former Australia captain Michael Clarke also rubbished the suggestion that shorter boundaries could play into England's hands.

"What a load of junk," he told the Big Sports Breakfast.

"Australian grounds are twice the size of England grounds anyway that's why there are less sixes from the Australian players.

"Who cares? Both teams have got to bat."