England's Day of Reckoning

With the imminent Ashes series just around the corner, what better time to lose your blog virginity? What with England’s immaculate build up with promising performances’ in the three tour games, measured against the Aussies poorest form for many a year, could we retain the urn?

Have we gone into a recent Ashes series down under looking stronger? Captain Strauss is looking as dependable as he has done in years. Having already hit two sparkling hundreds in tour games, surely if he can guard against the swinging new Kookaburra ball, then he will make hay while the sun shines.

Perhaps the most exciting prospect on the batting front is a newly transformed Ian Bell. After his invigorating 192 consisting of twenty-two 4’s and a six he looks in the best shape of his life. Young leggie Steve Smith seemed to have no answer for Bell’s newly found dominance at the crease when Australia A had England on the ropes. The Warwickshire batsman looked of a different stature to the shaky character of Ashes series past. Could Belly be our dark–horse this winter?

Looking at the Aussie camp can only help the English mentality. In contrast to recent history and the threat of Warne, Hayden, McGrath and Gilchrist, the old enemy appear to be a shadow of their former selves. After losing to India and Sri Lanka in previous months they have had the rug pulled beneath them in the realms of international cricket. With vice skipper Michael Clarke a doubt for tomorrow, will fresh impetus be required to help the Australians gain momentum for the eagerly awaited series?

But are we poms getting a little too over excited? There is no doubt that with a new cherry in hand, Mitchell Johnson will be back to his best in Australian climates. The likes of Ponting, Katich and out of form Mike Hussey have a wealth of experience in chasing the urn. With an unproven bowling attack down-under our much improved fabulous four of Anderson, Broad, Swann and Finn will have to take 20 wickets consistently with a soft ball. They undoubtedly have the skill but will the pressure and southern hemisphere heat knock them for six?  

So can our boys be the first to bring back the Ashes since Mike Gatting’s heroes of 1987. I know one thing; I will be keeping everything crossed and singing Jerusalem at the top of my voice come midnight tomorrow. I only have one request in return, win the toss and bat Straussy! We don’t want a repeat of Nasser in 2002!! COME ON ENGLAND!