With the first Ashes Test match in Cardiff starting this evening, now is the perfect time to share some of my predictions for the series.
Australian team for the first Test
It has been a while since Australia have gone into an Ashes series as favourites, so the pressure will be well and truly on the Aussies.
In terms of the team for the first Test, most players pick themselves but a few changes could be made.
A hundred on debut in the Caribbean all but sealed Adam Voges’ spot in the team, while back-to-back centuries in tour matches should see Mitch Marsh picked in the all-rounder spot.
Ryan Harris’ sudden retirement has all but confirmed Josh Hazlewood’s spot in the attack with Mitch Johnson, Mitch Starc, and Nathan Lyon rounding out the bowling line up.
The team should line up as follows:
David Warner
Chris Rogers
Steve Smith
Michael Clarke
Adam Voges
Mitch Marsh
Brad Haddin
Mitch Johnson
Mitch Starc
Josh Hazlewood
NathanLyon
England team for the first Test
England will be looking to cause an upset in knocking off the Aussies.
Adam Lyth will partner Alastair Cook at the top after a good series against the Kiwis, while Gary Ballance is likely to slot in at number three despite a terrible run of form.
Speaking of bad form, expect Ian Bell to come in at five despite his poor series against the Kiwis.
New coach Trevor Bayliss will be looking for big things from his trio of talented youngsters Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler. I also expect Bayliss to swing the surprise selection of Adil Rashid as his team’s spinner due to his preference for leg spinners.
The pace trio all but picks itself with Steven Finn still on the outer of the Test team.
The English XI should look like this:
Alastair Cook
Adam Lyth
Gary Ballance
Ian Bell
Joe Root
Ben Stokes
Jos Buttler
Adil Rashid
Stuart Broad
Mark Wood
James Anderson
Highest run scorer
He has had a lean run as of late, but with England’s focus set to be on Warner and Smith, expect Clarke to flourish.
For the Poms, Joe Root will yet again be the rock in their batting order.
Highest wicket taker
The highest wicket takers will depend on the conditions, but I can’t go past Mitchell Starc for Australia and James Anderson for England. Arguably the two of the best swing bowlers in the world, expect Starc and Anderson to dominate the series.
Man of the series
Because I am picking Australia to win it, I have to go with Steve Smith as the man of the series for his game-winning ability.
While some are questioning how his technique will hold up in English conditions, if the past two years are anything to go by Smith will find a way to succeed.
Having taken timely wickets in the tour matches, also expect Clarke to throw Smith the ball on a regular basis.
Series result
I just can’t go past the Aussies to win the series. I have no doubt that it will be much closer than the whitewash last time around.
Australia to win 3-1.
What are your thoughts and predictions Roarers?
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