It is a long time since the England cricket team headed for Australia confident of winning an Ashes series. It was usually a case of England being comprehensively beaten. However, sport often runs in cycles and this is a good period for England but not so good for Australia.
There is a stark contrast between the last series in Australia and this one. Players like Warne, McGrath, Hayden, Langer and Gilchrist have long gone. The Australian team is no longer invincible and continues to slip down the test rankings. That said, it will still be a hard-fought series. The conditions and the kookaburra ball will suit the Aussies more than England.
Many people believe England will win emphatically but a 2-1 series win in our favour is more likely. As the current holders, England only needs to draw the series to retain the urn. Even the most ardent Australian appears resigned to an unsuccessful Ashes campaign.
The surviving members of the 5-0 whitewash in 2006/2007 will be keen to turn the tables. Ian Bell was often the target of Australian jokes but now looks a more mature batsman. If England perseveres with 4 bowlers, Graeme Swann will be expected to take plenty of wickets.
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