Australia’s comprehensive win over India in Sydney has given the Australians a valuable 2-0 lead in the series. Which means, longer term, things are looking good for Australia for the Ashes series in 2013.
While there will be two more Tests against India, the tour to the West Indies, plus the home series against South Africa and Sri Lanka to come next summer, there are plenty of options for chairman John Inverarity and his selection panel to weigh up when they sit down to pick the squad for England next year.
An outstanding pace attack consisting of James Pattinson, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Pat Cummins, plus a spin bowling option in the form of Nathan Lyon and possibly Nathan Hauritz as well, means Australia at this stage would probably have the edge over England in the bowling department.
The batting would be alright come 2013, when players such as Ed Cowan, Dave Warner, and Shaun Marsh have got a feel for Test cricket and will be well set in the Australian side. And they would be given enormous help from veterans in captain Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey.
The one area that is of most concern would be the wicket-keeping. Will Brad Haddin still be in the side come England 2013, considering his current form with the gloves, or would he be ‘pushed sideways’ to make way for Tim Paine or Matthew Wade?
So, who has the edge at this stage in the run-up to the 2013 Ashes series – Australia or England?
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