The Ashes 2006-07: The Build-up

[Collyisamackem]

It may seem a little early, but for England at least the next test cricket we will be playing is the Ashes, which seems to have come around in no time at all since the halycon summer of 2005 when we wrested back the urn from the 20-year stragehold employed by Australia. The heat is already building and opinions are flying back and forth, in a mixture of friendly and unfriendly terms, and whilst the Champions Trophy and DLF cup progress in the ODI forum, now is the time for this forum to give some official kind of prominence to the Ashes.

The series commences on November 23rd at the Gabba in Brisbane and progresses as follows:

1st Test - Brisbane 23-27 Nov

2nd Test - Adelaide 1-5 Dec

3rd Test - Perth 14-18 Dec

4th Test - Melbourne 26-30 Dec

5th Test - Sydney 2-6 Jan

I'd give a lead-in to the discussion, but to be honest I think this once can start itself without any significant direction from the threadstarter. To me the main issues are a) for England, the experience of young players and injuries to older ones as well as the testing Australian conditions, and b) for Australia, the ageing of the side and the psychological factor of being the challengers for the first time since 1986.

Let the banter commence!

[adamberry]

I've voted for a draw, on the basis as follows:

1) England will probably be taking a young and relatively inexperienced side to Australia. I don't doubt for a second that they could put up a fight against the Aussies, I just have a feeling they won't be able to 'finish them off'. That said, if the likes of Freddie and Vaughan (Giles to a point) can recover from injury England will (should) be all the better for it.

2) Australia could well be fielding an ageing squad. McGrath and Warne are no 'spring chickens' anymore, yet they could still be a threat. Experience could well work over youth, with the likes of Warne out-witting the youngsters of England. Hence Australia should be dead set for at least a win or two.

3) The pressure is on the Aussies. I don't know what the media is up to down under but I'd guess they'll be pressuring the side to perform. This could affect them both ways, either positive or negative.

4) England could get big-headed (although on this summer's less-than-convincing performances I don't see why they should), and this could well lead to them losing their heads, and a match or two.

Hence, all things seem to even out, so I say a draw. Feel free to pick the holes in my theories!

[Occasional Fan]

I've picked the draw as well, Adamberry, and for much the same reasons. I'm not convinced that England can actually win a series Down Under, although I keep having this wonderful dream in which the series is set at 3-0 just after tea on the fifth day at Perth and just before I get on the plane to head back home. Somehow, I think it's a hallucination. But I am not at all sure at the moment that the aging Aussie's will be able to take 3 games off England this year. The only problem I am having in justifying my selection is that I really can't pick a venue which is likely to yield a drawn match. Two games each for me - but don't ask me who gets which game or where the draw is!

[Moss]

I picked an Aus win, partly because I want that to be the kiss of death. I don't mind egg on my face.

Serously, the Aussies are so pumped up, I can't see them losing.

[adamberry]

Well neither can I, the problem is I can't see Australia winning either!

The draw IMHO will come in the first three Tests, I can't see England winning much at either the MCG or the SCG, so England will have to make a brilliant start to the series. Hopefully they'll carry some form from the Pakistan tests (3rd excluded) and get a 1 or 2 nil lead for the Boxing Day Test.

I can dream can't I?

[Occasional Fan]

That's fine - 2-0 after Perth will still give me some reason for drinking the plane dry on the way back!

[gangstacocacola]

I see Australia winning the ashes back. I dont see this inexperienced england team beating the aussies in their own backyard. they will be easy pickings for the likes of warne and mcgrath and lee. I dont think ive seen the aussies this pumped up before a series either, they look very determined out there. Australia 3-0, 3-1 for me

[John]

We don't know who is going to be fit probably the most important question.
As I have said before a good side does not often get beaten at home (in any sport).
There are a number of questions over the Australian side.
1. Age, especially the bowling attack.
2. Will they bat better?
I think if Warne and McGrath roll back the years they should do it.

[Occasional Fan]

You're right that a good team doesn't often get beaten at home, of course. But in this game they don't have to get beaten in order to record a loss, if you see what I mean. Possession of the Ashes really is 9/10ths of the law and I wouldn't underestimate the advantage that England have in having the draw on their side for the first time in half a life time (near enough, for me!).

You won't find me saying anywhere on these boards that a draw is a good enough result for anyone to aim at at the start of a game or series, and there's no doubt in my mind that if England go in with that attitude they will come away beaten and without the Ashes. But if they go in with the intention of winning the series and come away with a draw, they'll be happy, I'll be happy and the Aussies will be mightily dischuffed.

[John]

You can't play for a draw. A draw in cricket series only comes to mind when you reach a certain situation. It will only enter plans as the series progress. What can be said with people like Warne their are likely to be results. Add that to packed partisan crowds and results will come.
The draw will only arise it might not be a consideration.