With only one test of this series, to be played in
2014, nine of these two tests of the series will have been done during the
year, but England can expect a completely different challenge 'down under.' Old
Trafford in Manchester was perhaps where England struggled more during the
summer, and where he probably would have lost had it not been for the adverse
weather conditions on the final day. This will be a concern for England, as the
Old Trafford pitch is the replica closest to those in Australia - fast and
bouncy.
England have tried to use the highest pace bowlers
in order to counteract the difference in pitches. Stuart Broad and Jimmy
Anderson will be starting these tests without a doubt, their records for the
Three Lions speak for themselves, but Chris Tremlett, Boyd Rankin and Stephen
Finn are all over six feet tall, and all possess the real pass, which could
cause problems on these pitches. Graeme Swann was the leading wicket-taker in
the English summer series with 26 wickets in five games - is unlikely
A lot of build-up to the first test that surrounds
the fitness of wicketkeeper Matt Prior. 32 years he has played the last 57
consecutive test match in England but suffered a torn calf muscle during a
warm-up game against Australia XI, and could be forced to leave the first test
as he struggles back to full -fitness. England are giving him all the time it
needs, but if you miss out, Jonny Bairstow of Yorkshire will be the
replacement. The only other place in the starting team of England seems to be up
for grabs as the third seamer. Chris Tremlett looks favorite to take the place
at the minute, with its excellent performance in the last Ashes series in
Australia for his name. Boyd Rankin and Stephen Finn failed to convince the
last warm-up fixture against Australia Invitational XI.
In the field of Australia, the two major changes
occur in the form of the inclusion of rookie George Bailey, and one of the
favorite villains of the pantomime Barmy Army, Mitchell Johnson. The pair
forced their way back into the side through their shape a day, with 31 years
Bailey smashing India for a shedload of runs in the recent Aussie tour of the
subcontinent. Johnson too well in India, and despite his below-par performance
the last time England visited Australia, he'll feel more confident after his
recent internal form and will try to take advantage of the injury to fellow
seamers Mitchell Starc , James Pattinson, Jackson Bird and Pat Cummins.
England are enjoying their most successful period
since 1980 and in Australia are in a period of transition, although looking
much firmer than they have in the previous two in this series. Can England make
it four consectuve Ashes victories for the first time since the 19th century?
Only time will tell, and it all starts with the five-day test in Brisbane to
kick off proceedings. An exciting series on hold .......