The Ashes series is less than a week away and the England XI
for the first test looks certain to see Joe Root opening with Cook, followed by
Trott, KPego, Bell and Bairstow. Barring
injury Matt Prior is certain to keep wicket and bowlers Swann and Anderson are
inked in. All three are proven world
class players who consistently produce the goods. There is a little doubt about Broad’s fitness
but he should play. Finn is currently in
pole position for the final bowling place but Onions bowled well in the
practice match and the selectors could go for a ‘horses for courses’ selection
at Trent Bridge.
It was inevitable that Root would open for England sometime
soon but does this put more pressure on the captain? He now has a young, inexperienced opening
partner and who knows what will happen.
In truth whoever he opens with, Alastair Cook is expected to score runs
and if he has a good series England will always be well placed.
The Aussie team is less certain but we’re sure to see
Watson, Clarke, Haddin and Siddle, all of whom are genuine test players at the
very least. I don’t believe any
Australian team is as bad as some press have been reporting recently and they
will compete. England have to find the
form they showed in India once again and cannot perform like they did in New
Zealand. I think the first test is crucial
and if England win they will retain the Ashes comfortably. However an Aussie win against the odds will
set up a much closer series.
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