England and Australia, perhaps the greatest ever sporting rivalry, are all set to do battle for the biggest prize in cricket; The Ashes. After suffering defeat after defeat to the Aussies, England finally managed to reclaim the Ashes in 2005, with a dramatic 2-1 series win on home soil. However, the massive celebrations were short lived as, less than 18 months later; Australia hammered the English 5-0 in a series whitewash to once again take hold of the Ashes urn. Now, England are out for revenge and want to regain cricket’s most historic and prestigious prize.

However, it hasn’t been all plain sailing for England. They suffered one of their most turbulent winters ever, following the row between captain Kevin Pietersen and coach Peter Moores, who both subsequently left their positions. All the unrest off the field contributed to an unexpected Test series defeat in the Caribbean against the West Indies, although a One Day series win against the same opponents restored some pride and confidence to the squad. Andrew Flower was made Team Director, whilst Andrew Strauss was made captain. This brought some vital stability to the England camp ahead of the return series at home to the West Indies. England comfortably won both the Test and One Day series to re-ignite hopes of an Ashes victory. Good performances with the bat throughout that series from Ravi Bopara have cemented his position at number 3 in the batting order. Graeme Swann also established himself as the side’s top spinner and also showed some good form with the bat which will provide some extra security in the batting department. With the 1st Ashes Test taking place at Cardiff, where the pitch is a low and turning one, which will suit the spinners more than the seamers, England may opt to start Monty Panesar alongside Swann. With Andrew Flintoff also likely to return following a spell on the sidelines due to injury, England must decide whether to start with Durham bowler Graham Onions, who is showing excellent form with the ball for his county, or his Durham team mate Paul Collingwood who is far more experienced at Test level, but is struggling for form with the bat at the moment. Collingwood is likely to get the nod as he, along with only 3 other regulars in the current England side, played in the final Ashes test back in 2005.

Australia will also field several players making their first appearance in the Ashes. Following the retirements of players such as Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer, there are gaping holes in the line up which the Aussies have struggled to fill. Phil Hughes looks like a suitable replacement for Langer and Hayden at the top of the order, and could open the batting with Simon Katich, who has previously played down the order at number 6. But it is in the bowling department where the Aussies look most vulnerable. Brett Lee has struggled with injuries, although he did remind everyone of his ability when taking 5 wickets I the recent warm up match against the England Lions. Mitchell Johnson has emerged as McGrath’s replacement and certainly could cause England’s batsman some problems, but after him and Lee, there is no one else who looks to have the class or the ability to threaten England. The Aussies also haven’t been able to replace Shane Warne, whose ability to change the game with his spin bowling will be sorely missed. Warne’s most likely successor is Nathan Hauritz, who only looks average at best. Despite some definite weaknesses, Australia, captained by the talismanic Ricky Ponting, always manage to raise their game for the Ashes and can never be discounted.

Another fascinating Ashes series looks in prospect. Australia will start as slight favourites, but England are on home turf and, with the crowd behind them, will feel capable of reclaiming the Ashes.

My Prediction: England to win 3-1.

By Chris Sykes