Ahead of the 2015 Ashes series starting on Wednesday, a look at the storylines that will figure into the latest battle between England and Australia for the urn.
Can England’s ODI resurgence translate into Test success?
England's electric performances over the course of the one-day against New Zealand could act as a real motivator for a Test side that have endured challenging times over the last 18 months. Following a wretched World Cup, Eoin Morgan's men adopted a fresh, carefree approach which reaped rewards against the Black Caps and may give Alastair Cook food for thought. Even though Test regulars Cook, Ian Bell, James Anderson and Stuart Broad did not feature in the ODI series, it has been suggested the tone has been set for the showdown against the similarly hard-headed Australians.
The spirit of the game
New Zealand will leave English shores with plenty of admirers for playing cricket "in the right way", but it is highly unlikely their Antipodean neighbours will earn such plaudits. Australia batsman Shaun Marsh has already suggested there will be plenty of "sledging" from both teams although they will surely want to avoid a repeat of the "get ready for a ... broken arm" taunt Michael Clarke made to James Anderson in Brisbane as tensions threatened to boil over in the last Ashes series down under.
The Trevor Bayliss effect
Much has been made of an Australian leading England into the Ashes, although you would be hard pushed to find anyone with a bad word to say against Bayliss, who will have plenty of inside information on the likes of Australia Test captain Michael Clarke, batsmen Steven Smith and David Warner and all-rounder Shane Watson following his time at New South Wales. Such knowledge on the technical flaws of that quartet could hold the key to Alastair Cook lifting the urn this summer.
The spinning conundrum
England’s most pressing concern is the form of Moeen Ali, who clearly has the ability to bowl wicket-taking deliveries, but struggled to consistently put pressure on batsmen over a prolonged spell in indifferent series against the West Indies and New Zealand. He retains the faith of management but a poor start against Australia will be subject to immense scrutiny and lead to calls for leg-spinner Adil Rashid to come into the side.
Australia’s battery of seamers
Where the tourists really have the edge is the fast bowling options they can call upon this summer. Left-armers Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson are clearly the danger men, Josh Hazlewood was mightily impressive on their recent tour to the West Indies, Peter Siddle remains reliable as ever, with the talented Pat Cummins replacing Ryan Harris in the wake of his retirement also available. However, only three spots are likely to be available, leaving coach Darren Lehmann and Clarke with a serious headache ahead of the first Test in Cardiff.
“Dad’s army”
Nine members of Australia’s 17-man touring squad are at least 30 years old, with Chris Rogers, Brad Haddin and Adam Voges – all of whom are in position to start at Cardiff – 35 or over. It prompted former Australia international and current Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie to label them “Dad’s Army”, and suggested England’s best tactic would be to wear them out in the field. Clarke, at 34 no spring chicken himself, hopes to add “Dizzy” to the growing list of doubters.
Outcome
Australia are the favourites to retain the urn and claim a first series win in England since 2001. The form of the sides since the beginning of the last Ashes gives the clear edge to the tourists, who have won four of their last five Test series – including the 5-0 whitewash of England 18 months ago. By contrast Cook’s men have triumphed just once since beating Australia on home soil two years ago. The introduction of Bayliss into England’s camp should not be underestimated although will his presence be enough to galvanise Cook and Co?
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