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[O Dogg]

With The Ashes just around the corner, I wanted to find out what you think of Englands chances against the mighty Aussies. I think it is a close one to call, however England are capable of winning it.

Gone are the likes of Warne, McGrath and Hayden, as are the days of Test domination but, as they've so often proved, Australia can never be ruled out. And they'll be giving their all to show England just that in the Ashes.

Current odd are:

Australia 8/11
England 7/4
Draw

[YoBBo]

Well the England 13 has been announced.

Andrew Strauss, captain (Middlesex)
James Anderson (Lancashire)
Ian Bell (Warwickshire)
Ravi Bopara (Essex)
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)
Paul Collingwood (Durham)
Alastair Cook (Essex)
Andrew Flintoff (Lancashire)
Graham Onions (Durham)
Monty Panesar (Northamptonshire)
Kevin Pietersen (Hampshire)
Matt Prior (Sussex)
Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire)

For me I think Harmison should of been in there, Onions may of got more wickets in the domestic side of the game this season but the problems Harmison can cause for the Aussies could of been the key for me.

Also last night I met the Australian Cricket team, as they travelled down to Cardiff yesterday for the first test.

[O Dogg]

I tend to agree. Harmison did well in the England Lions warmup game, but it was to little to late really.

I think the right decision was made in regards to Monty being selected ahead of Adil Rashid though. He may be off form, however does have the experience to pick himself back up for this one.

[YoBBo]

Monty is for sure a dangerous bowler and probably has the edge over Rashid in the bowling department at the moment. Although I tend to prefer Adil as a well rounded cricketer, he is much better with the bat than Monty and has alot more variety with spin.

[Big Jono]

Will be supporting my adopted country for this one, Australia should be too strong for England.

Mitchell Johnson to be the outstanding bowler of the tournament.

[YoBBo]

Johnson struggled against and England second team though, he is a good bowler I just think it may be a little too hard for him to adjust to the british pitches and the Dukes ball rather than the kookaburra one he is used to.

I fancy England to win the first test if the weather allows, without Brett Lee I think the England batsman will look to score big.

[YoBBo]

Are you a Cardiff lad then John? Or just travelling for the game?

I was going to go but the tickets are so damn expensive.

[Big Jono]

Before that practice match where Lee got a few wickets tho it was doubtful he was even going ot be in the side, he clearly was never going to be a strike bowler again; Siddle and Johnson will play those roles.

[YoBBo]

Yeah Cardiff born and Cardiff bred.

[O Dogg]

Jono, how do you think the series will go now?
Do you think Australia will turn it around?