Part One - note: this was written before the England squad was announced earlier today
The biggest prize in sport will begin on Wednesday, 8th
July, when England will attempt to regain the Ashes as the 1st Test
begins at Cardiff.
The build up has been quite quiet, probably because Test’s
are being played in England and not in Australia. The gutter press down under
do enjoy a bit of Pom bashing, using words of new more than two syllables to
try and rubbish the English cricketers. Whatever keeps you happy I suppose,
little things etc.
What have we learnt so far? Mark Wood is looking forward to
giving Shane Watson a few bouncers, as apparently there was an incident in the
past during an Aussie net session. Me thinks be careful Mark.
The afore mentioned Watson also believes that new England
Coach, Aussie Trevor Bayliss, could give England the edge as he has inside
knowledge.
A lot of this is just rhetoric. For me there are three key
things which will determine if England can regain the Ashes:
- Jimmy Anderson needs to rediscover his swing
- England top order need to cope with Starc and Johnson
- Steve Smith needs to be kept quiet; England need to dismiss him cheaply enough throughout the series.
Off course who’s selected to play for England is critical.
Everyone has their thoughts, ideas and reasons why. There is also some England
players looking over their shoulders as places could be up for grabs.
For what it’s worth, here is my preferred line-up:
- Alastair Cook
- Adam Lyth
- Ian Bell
- Gary Ballance (just)
- Joe Root
- Jos Buttler
- Ben Stokes
- Adil Rashid
- Stuart Broad (just)
- Mark Wood
- Jimmy Anderson
There are still a few places in jeopardy; Jack Brooks and
Jonny Bairstow are in the waiting if others fail.
Come on England.
