England five-minute wonders?

[JK]

I'd still have my money on the Poms at this stage unfortunately ... Might be the first drawn Ashes series I've witnessed?

[stan]

Its probably hard to say either way at this stage CP. I'll hold back my tip until i feel confident we have addressed the problems in our middle order. Hussey is fine at five, but Symonds at 6 and Hodge at 4 worry me a little. The problem with Hodge is that he is either Hot or damn cold!

[Rik E Boy]

I'd still have my money on the Poms at this stage unfortunately ... Might be the first drawn Ashes series I've witnessed?

I'll have a bit of that action Connie. They won't do dick over here.

regards,

REB

[JK]

Im sure we can work something out Rikkeboy, will be yet another of those bets that I hope I lose, but if they bring the same or similar squad over here I think we'll struggle again ... Both batting lineups seem fairly even (although the Aussies penchant for mild or heavy collapses in England also came to light against the Proteas a couple of times), but I think they have a clear advantage in the bowling stakes at this stage, will be interesting to see the makeup of our attack in just under 12 months time ... Hope I'm wrong and the Aussies win in a canter though!!

[Rik E Boy]

How can England have a 'clear advantage' in bowling Connie? No spinners, Harmison has NEVER had a decent away series in his career, Simon Jones constantly injured..a lot will fall on Flintoff's ability to take wickets. No way will these blokes bowl anywhere near what they produced on our wickets.

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Thank you sir, may I have another!

regards,

REB

[JK]

Dunno mate, Harmison will be well suited by the majority of pitches over here, Jones Im sure will be up for the series and Flintoff is unquestionably world class (I'll leave Hoggard out because I don't rate him), sure they appear spinnerless-in-seattle but I don't think it's spin the Aussies struggle with so much and naturally take a clear advantage in this area with Sir Shane BUT, compare their pace attack to Pigeon (world class at best but can he be relied upon to wind back the clock and maintain fitness?), Lee (quality bowler when on song) and then take your pick out of Bracken, Clark, Lewis, Dorey etc.

Much can change I guess in the next 10 months or so, will be interesting to see how it all unfolds, look forward to applying money to mouth when we're closer to the series commencement!

[Magpiespower]

No great shame losing in the sub-continent, which isn't exactly a stroll in the park.

Especially when playing Pakistan, the enigma of world cricket - champs one day, chumps the next.

FWIW, the Ashes was line-ball.

But England got over the line and deserved the series win.

[stan]

Ashes series here will be great. Should be some excellent cricket. Its been a while since we have had some good hard cricket to watch.