The media build up has made The Ashes seem the biggest cricketing event for decades. Some cricket commentators have suggested that England will win "10-nil". Why did the Australians waste the air fares?
In actual fact the series will be quite tight in my view. Both sides have decent bowling, although England's is a little more experienced and reliable and as the "experts" keep telling us, bowlers win you games which would suggest that England, coupled with home advantage, are favourites in a two-horse race.
The problem for both sides is that their batting is fragile. Australia's top order lacks experience and seemingly the ability to "bat long" in most cases. Michael Clarke is the exception and a class act, but there are large question marks over his fitness. England's batsmen have been in patchy form and seem to be pinning a lot of hope on Kevin Pietersen, who also seems to be made of digestives.
The captains are interesting to compare as well - Clarke is inventive and will outshine England's Alastair Cook who has a plan A and leaves the rest of the alphabet redundant. Australia, having already been written off, have nothing to lose.
The Ashes is a fearsome contest between two great rivals and pressure through expectation will prove a factor, but don't kid yourselves, these two teams are better matched than you may think. Since South Africa aren't playing they cricket on offer won't be of the highest quality, but do expect a close contest, not dominance of the home side over a former colony!
