The Ashes

[BrilloPad]

It depends how much sledging, gamesmanship, aggro, luck, cheating those nasty aussies employ against our poor victims.

Have they ever used less than the maximum?

[Jet Setter]

I think the series will be close, but I don't see England having the firepower to be able to knock over the Aussies enough to win multiple tests. A lot is said about Australia not having Warne and McGrath, but the biggest loss for England over the last few years has to be Simon Jones. I know I'd be a lot more worried if he was in the side. Promises to be a cracker though...

[minestrone]

Thank god for sky player, and thank god for this place not banning sites, I might have came down with something 'nasty' this week otherwise.

[Moscow Mule]

I think the series will be close, but I don't see England having the firepower to be able to knock over the Aussies enough to win multiple tests. A lot is said about Australia not having Warne and McGrath, but the biggest loss for England over the last few years has to be Simon Jones. I know I'd be a lot more worried if he was in the side. Promises to be a cracker though...

The sides are very evenly matched.

If you add Haurichz (or however you spell it), I'd say the Aussies have the edge. But seeing as they haven't got the balls to play him it's going to be very close.

Edit: I've just seen that Lee is going for a scan on his ribs. That would give England the edge in the first test if he doesn't play.

[oracleslave]

The sides are very evenly matched.

I don't buy that. Australia on paper are better in all departments.

[Jet Setter]

Australia would have to be favourites given the recent win against a classy SA line up away from home. It's just with a more inexperienced team, the Aussies can't be guaranteed to deliver 4-5 days of top level cricket. In the home series vs SA they were in a commanding position in every test but couldn't bury the oppo and lost the series. I'm just praying the same doesn't happen here or my departure home may be somewhat hastened.

[oracleslave]

Australia would have to be favourites given the recent win against a classy SA line up away from home. It's just with a more inexperienced team, the Aussies can't be guaranteed to deliver 4-5 days of top level cricket. In the home series vs SA they were in a commanding position in every test but couldn't bury the oppo and lost the series. I'm just praying the same doesn't happen here or my departure home may be somewhat hastened.

I think Aus have the better bowling attack by some distance. Siddle and Mitch Johnson will take plenty of wickets on the pitches here. Can't see Eng getting the 20 wickets neccessary to win games.

[Moscow Mule]

I don't buy that. Australia on paper are better in all departments.

Tosh. If you don't believe me, ask Mike Atherton...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/spo...cle6619728.ece

If you don't believe him, ask the SMH.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/cri...127689835.html

[Evil Hangover]

Why England are going to win the ashes ( I hope)

http://betting.betfair.com/cricket/2...sh-010709.html

[Jet Setter]

Athers is kidding himself with that analysis.

Watson hopefully won't play a test so Freddie should be compared with him, rather with Johnson who has both a better batting and bowling average than him.

Looking at the lists, Australia are clearly better man for man (spinners excepted). It's the fact that England should play out of their skins at home and Australia's relative inexperience that should make it tight.

A key player getting injured on either side could shift the series, like it did when McGrath stepped on the f#~king ball before the second test.