The Ashes Preview

With the ashes only a few months away, there is much speculation on who will be in both the Australian and the England set up for this series. This series is easily one of the most significant if not the most in the test arena, so let's take an in depth look at both the teams.


England have witnessed some promising performances by some of the new recruits in their test team, after Ian Bell was shown the door and Ravi Bopara was given an opportunity at number 3, he did not let it go to waste scoring 143 in the first innings against the West Indies. However, Ian Bell has had a good start this year in the county arena and is still pushing for a spot in the starting XI.

Graeme Onions also made a great start in his test debut after taking 5 for 38 off 9.3 over's in the West Indies first innings, calling the selectors to seriously consider him for the Ashes which will begin in July. Stephen Harmison will be also be eyeing a spot in the starting XI, however with such a promising debut from Graeme Onions he will find it extremely difficult, especially if Onions can back these performances up consistently. Another prospect for England will be Michael Vaughan who has every chance of returning during the Ashes, as his experience could be vital to England's success.

Probable England XI
1. Andrew Strauss 2. Alastair Cook 3. Ravi Bopara 4. Kevin Pietersen 5. Paul Collingwood 6. Matt Prior (wk) 7. Stuart Broad 8. Ryan Sidebottom 9. Graeme Swann 10. James Anderson 11. Graeme Onions

Ian Bell will find it tough to find a spot in the XI

Australia, who are the favourites for this series are having many questions asked about whether there former pace spearhead Brett Lee will find a spot in the XI after a long awaited return from injury. While the batting card looks settled, with Phillip Hughes who is currently playing county cricket for Middlesex in astonishing form, with three hundreds from four innings, he is sure to cause many headaches for the opposing England side. While the all rounder slot is currently another slot up for grabs, with Andrew Symonds back, he is a serious contender to fill this slot and make his way into the side.

Many players will need to perform in order to retain there spots however, especially in the case of whether Australia will choose to play a spinner, if this does occur, which I suspect will, therefore Nathan Hauritz will get the nod. Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle will look to continue their impressive form in the test arena, after some standout performances by both men. Andrew McDonald will make way for Andrew Symonds and Ben Hilfenhaus will also make way for the returning Brett lee. Experience will be the key in this series with players like Ponting, Katich, Clarke and Hussey needing to perform in order for their side to do well, especially with the bowler friendly conditions in England.

Probable Australia XI

1. Phillip Hughes 2. Simon Katich 3. Ricky Ponting 4. Michael Hussey 5. Michael Clarke 6. Andrew Symonds 7. Brad Haddin 8. Mitchell Johnson 9. Brett Lee 10. Nathan Haurtiz 11. Peter Siddle

Phillip Hughes is set to cause many headaches for England