England have been on a slight rise lately. THey went into the Ashes tour of 2001 in good form (9 wins, 3 losses 4 draws from the previous 16 tests with 4 consecutive series wins including Pakistan and Sri Lanka away from home), but the Aussies obliterated them. After that they sturggled to compete but since drawn India and beaten Sri Lanka at home so they're slowly rebuilding.
They have a number of young quicks into the side which is very interesting, and some of them have good potential i think.
Darren Gough will continue to be the cornerstone of the attack, while Caddick will partner him as an opening bowler. As for the other two bowling spots in the team, it will depend on the wicket. They've got two ordinary spinners in Giles and Foster, which will mean they have no chance in Sydney and Adelaide will be a struggle for them as well (in general, i think they'll struggle all tour, but in partifcular on those wickets without any class spinners).
They have another four quicks to choose from in Flintoff, Hoggard, Jones and Harmison. For Perth and Melbourne i reckon they should play all 4 quicks (in particular Perth) as they're spinners are lacking IMO. Hoggard is the definate 3rd choice bowler as hes played a few tests and done reasonably well. As for the 4th choice quicky theres arguments for all 3.
Overall, they'll get done easily in Brisbane (class awlays prevails at the gabba), Sydney and Adelaide (lacking spinners). Perth and Melbourne are their biggest threats to cause an upset because they have a reasonably sound quick attack, but i would be suprised if it happens.
My Prediction is Australia 5-0 but there will be some tense moments on tour. Overall though, i think England are improving. Just not enough to beat Australia at home yet.
They have a number of young quicks into the side which is very interesting, and some of them have good potential i think.
Darren Gough will continue to be the cornerstone of the attack, while Caddick will partner him as an opening bowler. As for the other two bowling spots in the team, it will depend on the wicket. They've got two ordinary spinners in Giles and Foster, which will mean they have no chance in Sydney and Adelaide will be a struggle for them as well (in general, i think they'll struggle all tour, but in partifcular on those wickets without any class spinners).
They have another four quicks to choose from in Flintoff, Hoggard, Jones and Harmison. For Perth and Melbourne i reckon they should play all 4 quicks (in particular Perth) as they're spinners are lacking IMO. Hoggard is the definate 3rd choice bowler as hes played a few tests and done reasonably well. As for the 4th choice quicky theres arguments for all 3.
Overall, they'll get done easily in Brisbane (class awlays prevails at the gabba), Sydney and Adelaide (lacking spinners). Perth and Melbourne are their biggest threats to cause an upset because they have a reasonably sound quick attack, but i would be suprised if it happens.
My Prediction is Australia 5-0 but there will be some tense moments on tour. Overall though, i think England are improving. Just not enough to beat Australia at home yet.
