Let the build-up commence. As of noon today, the England cricket team is on its way Down Under in an attempt to retain the Ashes won so dramatically just over a year ago. Chances are David Boon's record of cans of lager consumed on a flight will not be broken, yet there is a distinct possiblity that England can record their first series victory in the Antipodes for 24 years. At the very least, they'll want a draw which will ensure they kept hold of the urn. In the next four weeks, I'll be profiling the protaganists of both sides and bringing you news of the warm-up matches as well as the Aussies' ODI series against Sri Lanka. We start with the hosts:
Ricky Ponting (captain, RH bat) - The man they call Punter has an immense deal of personal pride and as such will not want to be remembered as the man who captained his side to 3 Ashes defeats. The threat of this slight on his dazzling career should drive him on to great things in this series, although he has shown a weakness in his famous pull shot, holing out regularly over the last 12 months. England wil target him with the short ball.
Michael Clarke (vice-captain, RH bat, SLA bowl) - The Pup has grown into a man. Clarke has been criticised for his form and slow scoring rate in limited overs cricket recently, but responded with a ton against India last week. Is a great player of spin, so will be a key figure in the middle order against Graeme Swann.
Shane Watson (RH bat, RA medium bowl) - The brash blonde all-rounder has been in sublime form with the bat all year, generally always getting starts, if not always converting. Has taken on Matthew Hayden's mantle of getting the scoring rate off to a flier. Anderson and Broad will look to keep things tight and frustrate him into making an early mistake.
Simon Katich (LH bat) - The crabby technique makes him look like a genuine lbw candidate, but Katich's form has been amazing since his return to the Test side. In my mind, the man most likely to stick around when times get tough. Broken thumb might be a problem, but has enough time. Phil Hughes (LH bat) will be the likely deputy and is more than capable, but a less assured figure.
Michael Hussey (LH bat) - Mr Cricket has been quiet of late, seemingly out of form for a good 18 months. However, two incredible innings against Pakistan (in the now infamous Sydney Test and the T20 semi-final) have reminded the world that he remains a dangerous force on his day. Can also play a rearguard role, as demonstrated in a losing cause at the Oval last year.
Marcus North (LH bat, RA offspin bowl) - North is yet to convince at home after 5 centuries abroad. Place seems constantly under scrutiny, but it seems unlikely that the Aussies would throw a rookie into the deep end in such an important series. Offspin bowling is handy and can tie an end down if the opponents aren't careful.
Brad Haddin and Tim Paine (RH bats, wicket keepers) - Paine is the incumbent, Haddin the No.1 returning from long-term injury. Both have legitimate claims to the berth for this series. Haddin is the more flamboyant of the two, capable of spectacular things in both disciplines. Paine is a more steady choice and demonstrated gritty determination in the tough conditions of India. But Haddin will get the nod for the Gabba I feel.
Finally, a word on Westminster Council's lack of fun. Yes, we know the Palace of Westminster is a listed building. It does not matter if the Aussies project an image of their captain and vice, sending a "Bring It On!" message to the Poms. If anything, it captures people's imagination and gets them involved in what is likely to be a classic encounter. They are threatening to sue Cricket Australia the princely sum of £2,500. Pipe down!
Next week - the Aussie bowling options under the spotlight. Plus, day 1 of England's warm-up against Western Australia and the Aussies' first two games against Sri Lanka.
RM
Ricky Ponting (captain, RH bat) - The man they call Punter has an immense deal of personal pride and as such will not want to be remembered as the man who captained his side to 3 Ashes defeats. The threat of this slight on his dazzling career should drive him on to great things in this series, although he has shown a weakness in his famous pull shot, holing out regularly over the last 12 months. England wil target him with the short ball.
Michael Clarke (vice-captain, RH bat, SLA bowl) - The Pup has grown into a man. Clarke has been criticised for his form and slow scoring rate in limited overs cricket recently, but responded with a ton against India last week. Is a great player of spin, so will be a key figure in the middle order against Graeme Swann.
Shane Watson (RH bat, RA medium bowl) - The brash blonde all-rounder has been in sublime form with the bat all year, generally always getting starts, if not always converting. Has taken on Matthew Hayden's mantle of getting the scoring rate off to a flier. Anderson and Broad will look to keep things tight and frustrate him into making an early mistake.
Simon Katich (LH bat) - The crabby technique makes him look like a genuine lbw candidate, but Katich's form has been amazing since his return to the Test side. In my mind, the man most likely to stick around when times get tough. Broken thumb might be a problem, but has enough time. Phil Hughes (LH bat) will be the likely deputy and is more than capable, but a less assured figure.
Michael Hussey (LH bat) - Mr Cricket has been quiet of late, seemingly out of form for a good 18 months. However, two incredible innings against Pakistan (in the now infamous Sydney Test and the T20 semi-final) have reminded the world that he remains a dangerous force on his day. Can also play a rearguard role, as demonstrated in a losing cause at the Oval last year.
Marcus North (LH bat, RA offspin bowl) - North is yet to convince at home after 5 centuries abroad. Place seems constantly under scrutiny, but it seems unlikely that the Aussies would throw a rookie into the deep end in such an important series. Offspin bowling is handy and can tie an end down if the opponents aren't careful.
Brad Haddin and Tim Paine (RH bats, wicket keepers) - Paine is the incumbent, Haddin the No.1 returning from long-term injury. Both have legitimate claims to the berth for this series. Haddin is the more flamboyant of the two, capable of spectacular things in both disciplines. Paine is a more steady choice and demonstrated gritty determination in the tough conditions of India. But Haddin will get the nod for the Gabba I feel.
Finally, a word on Westminster Council's lack of fun. Yes, we know the Palace of Westminster is a listed building. It does not matter if the Aussies project an image of their captain and vice, sending a "Bring It On!" message to the Poms. If anything, it captures people's imagination and gets them involved in what is likely to be a classic encounter. They are threatening to sue Cricket Australia the princely sum of £2,500. Pipe down!
Next week - the Aussie bowling options under the spotlight. Plus, day 1 of England's warm-up against Western Australia and the Aussies' first two games against Sri Lanka.
RM
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