1. This Ashes Series Will Be The Closest Since 2009
The last three Ashes series, whilst producing some memorable cricket, have largely been one-sided affairs. Australia triumphed 5-0 at home last time out, preceded by 3-0 and 3-1 victories for England. None of those series could be described as being tight. Maybe were spoiled by memories of the wonderful 2005 series, but the 2009 one wasnt too bad itself, England coming out on top 2-1 after five gruelling tests. After the events of Cardiff, no one expects such a one-sided series this summer. Australia may have had their vulnerability exposed, but their side is simply too talented to fail to put up a fight. When David Warner gets going he can destroy the finest batting attacks in the world, and he is due a big innings overseas. Steve Smith was recently ranked the number one batsman in the world, and for good reason. Even without Ryan Harris, the pace stocks of the Aussies are the best in the world right now. Mitchell Johnson might not be the 37-wicket force he was now that he finds himself on slower pitches, but Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle and Pat Cummins are all world-class bowlers capable of winnings games themselves. Dont write the Aussies off yet. Its important not to get too overjoyed with England too. They still look brittle at the top, and havent posted an opening stand of over 30 in an Ashes test since the third test in Australia last winter. Was Ian Bells 60 one last dalliance, or is he still the world-class batsman weve enjoyed for a decade now? Mark Wood did his job in Cardiff, but is he a test-class bowler? As mentioned already, its amazing how the cracks in a side can be papered over by a resounding win. One of the best takeaways from the first test is that the two sides, especially in English conditions, are far closer than we first through. Were in for a treat over the next four tests.
Born in the middle of Wales in the middle of the 1980's, John can't quite remember when he started watching wrestling but he has a terrible feeling that Dino Bravo was involved. Now living in Prague, John spends most of his time trying to work out how Tomohiro Ishii still stands upright. His favourite wrestler of all time is Dean Malenko, but really it is Repo Man. He is the author of 'An Illustrated History of Slavic Misery', the best book about the Slavic people that you haven't yet read. You can get that and others from www.poshlostbooks.com.
