With the Australian Test summer having come to a close, our minds will start to look ahead to the next 12 months of what promises to be blockbuster red ball cricket of the highest calibre.
In February Australian will travel to India to try and win a Test series on Indian soil for the first time since the famous 2004 final frontier victory, however most Australian fans already have one eye firmly on back-to-back Ashes series.
After coming closing in two Tests against world number one South Africa, Australia was soundly beaten in the deciding fixture, before disposing of Sri Lanka 3-0 without a great deal of fuss.
But what position is Australia in leading into the all important Ashes series on England soil where they are facing three successive away defeats, compared with the English who are reveling in a terrific away series win against India?
The last two Ashes campaigns on English soil have been enthralling battles with 2013 likely to be no different, however for many this series will come down to the battle of the captains; players who many consider to be the best two batsmen in the world – Michael Clarke and Alastair Cook.
Opening batting
ENGLAND
England perhaps win this battle purely down to Alastair Cook, a man destined to become England’s greatest ever bat, if he is not already.
Cook made a mountain of runs last time he came up against Australia and is coming off a fine tour of India. His current partner Nick Compton is yet to fully cement his place in the side, but looks to be a quality batsman.
AUSTRALIA
Although Australia have held the same opening pair for the last 12 months, it still feels like a series by series partnership.
Ed Cowan has yet to fully establish himself as a world-class opener, while the sporadic form of David Warner will be tested in the swinging English conditions of the Duke ball.
Winner – England
Middle order
ENGLAND
Apart from the number 6 position, England’s middle order is all but settled. He may not be the most popular player in the dressing room, but England is a better team with Kevin Pietersen in it, while Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott are certainties to restart their love affairs with Ashes battles.
AUSTRALIA
Michael Clarke is in one of the best runs of form of any batsman in the modern era, and without a doubt he is key to Australia’s chances. The rest of the middle order is still a work in progress.
Where is Shane Watson best suited; will Usman Khawaja be Australia’s long-term replacement for Mike Hussey; and will this be the career defining series for Phil Hughes that everyone is hoping for?
Winner – England
Wicket-keeper
ENGLAND
Matt Prior has been very impressive with the bat and gloves in previous Ashes battles, and will look to lead from the front as he did in 2010-11.
AUSTRALIA
At this stage it looks as though Australia will persist with Matthew Wade as a long-term prospect.
Tim Paine will continue to knock on the door but his batting form hasn’t put himself in he picture, while Brad Haddin’s appears to be the front runner for the reserve keeper spot when the squad is picked.
Wade has looked solid without being sensational with the bat, while he put down some crucial dismissal over the summer.
Winner – England
Spin
ENGLAND
With Monty Panesar outbowling Graeme Swann in India, England are in a fortunate position to have two form spinners to choose from, and they could potentially play both in one or two Tests.
AUSTRALIA
Nathan Lyon has been Australia’s frontline spinner since he made his debut in Sri Lanka in 2011, however has been struggling to take key scalps, especially when Australia has needed to bowl teams out in the second innings.
Michael Beer, Glenn Maxwell and Nathan Hauritz could also come into consideration for the tour, but with Australia’s rotation policy of pace bowlers, will there be room to take two spinners to England?
Winner – England
Fast bowlers
ENGLAND
England gets the win here, only due to the fact they have a more settled pace attack with Anderson, Tremlett, Finn, Broad and Bresnan all with recent Ashes experience, while Graham Onions is also in the mix.
AUSTRALIA
If Australia can get their attack fit, then they should be able to more than trouble the English. The key will be to have Pat Cummins and James Pattinson leading the attack, while the rotation policy should be well in force so Australia will need to get their mix right.
Siddle is a certainty, while the remaining places will be left to Hilfenhaus, Bird, Johnson, Hastings and Starc to fight over.
Winner – England
Overall you would have to say England are favorites to retain the Ashes, having only need to draw the series on home soil to retain the urn, however a majority of this Australian team will not hold the scars of having lost two consecutive series.
For Clarke, a series victory will perhaps define his captaincy term and cement his status as one of Australia greatest ever players, while Cook will also be desperate for success in his debut Ashes series as captain.
The cricketing world cannot wait for Captain Clarke vs Captain Cook.
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