The Ashes 2013: Team preview: England

Wicket-keeper

Matt Prior, with 3680 runs at an average 44.33, is a veteran of many battles. Flower has given him a specific role, play aggressively and put the opposition on the defensive. What makes him deadly is the fact that he has the ability to counter-attack the new ball, the way Gilchrist used to do in his prime and won many matches for Australia during the first decade of the 21^st century.

In many ways Prior is England’s answer to Adam Gilchrist and so far he has lived up to the expectations aptly. He has been around a long time, he knows his limitations and reputation and at no.7, might be as effective the batsmen above him. Prior, 31, is at the peak of his powers and this series might just elevate him from good to great.

Spinners

The one area where England are miles ahead of Australia is spin, subject to Graeme Swann’s fitness. England’s canny off-spinner is a showman who relishes the big stage and makes the left-handers dance to his tunes and the Australians are playing into his hands, as they have as many as 9 left-handers in the 17 man-squad. But if Swann is not available for all five Tests, then England can always turn to Monty Panesar or James Tredwell who are more than capable of deputising for Swann.

Fast bowlers

England have a formidable pace attack in the form of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Steven Finn/ Tim Bresnan. Finn is not at his best but is a sure starter and Cook will rely on his aggression to put the Australian batsmen on the defensive. If swing bowling is a university, then James Anderson is its Vice Chancellor. Be it conventional swing, reverse swing or contrast swing, you name it and he will deliver it. Anderson will be the go-to man for Cook in pressure situations and one can expect him to deliver more often than not.

Prediction

Conventional wisdom suggests Alastair Cook’s side holds all the aces and riding on their experience and skill, should beat Australia 3-1. But hey, I wouldn’t mind looking like a fool on 25^th August if Australia under Lehman can turn things around and beat the Poms.