The Ashes 2010: A curtain raiser

The 2010 Ashes series gets under way on the 25th and there is already a lot of discussions about the possible outcome this time. This series always generates the kind of excitement that I have not seen in any other series. So here is my take on the current version.

The Poms have done nothing wrong since they announced a near perfect squad for the tour. They have brought in a quality spinner in Monty and they have a unit that is well balanced in all the departments. They have solid opening batsmen, their middle order is good too and they have a wicket keeper who can contribute. Then they have a quality attack consisting of swing and spin bowlers. The only missing element in their squad is a true pace bowler. Most of them have scored runs and taken wickets in the prep games and seem to be in a good nick. Ever since Andy Flower has taken over as their coach, they have improved by leaps and bounds.

The Aussies on the other hand have had a wretched 6 months or so. They have lost to practically every team that matters and more importantly they have not won anything for a long time. Their batting relies mainly on Ponting and the rest of the batsmen are under the scanner for their poor run of form. The bowling department is also weak and the only threatening bowler they have is Mitchell Johnson. But you know the stories about his mental fitness and the radar problem that he has. That nervousness is also reflected in their team selection. The home team has declared a squad of 17 players for the first test.

Australia also has another problem to cope with. With the English squad so nicely balanced and in form, they have a tough task in preparing the wickets too. If they make batsmen friendly wickets, then the Poms will score heavily against a weak attack. If they go for fast, bouncy wickets then their own batting will come under the guns as the Poms have a decent pace attack. Turning tracks will also be disastrous. So what should they do? In my mind their best chance lies in either winning the first test match when the Poms would be still adjusting to the conditions or win one solitary game and then play for draws. If they select the second option, which is against their nature, the series will be a very dull affair.

So what is it going to be? My bets are on England winning it with a margin of one test, 2-1 looks like the most likely result. I am very eager to see the first test match and see what the Aussies throw at the Poms. Keep reading!!