What will be telling factors in deciding the Ashes?

[Duke]

Reality

Oh come on people. If Australia play at their best or near their best (which they certainly didn't do in last years' Ashes when half the side went missing), Australia will win the series comfortably. It doesn't matter how well England play. If both teams are at their best, Australia will triumph.

England deserved to win the series in 2005 when they outplayed Australia. It wasn't lucky, but it WAS an anomaly. Australia were very poor in 2005 and thats why they lost.

If McGrath, Warne, Ponting, Hayden and Gilchrist fire, that will be enough. If the whole team fires, it could be embarrassing for Flintoff's men.

I'll say it again. The result of the Ashes hinges on the whether the Australian team plays to its potential.

 

[UncleTheOne]

how about rain and bad weather like at the oval? lol

Yep, and like at Old Trafford, but being Australian I'd imagine you'd have forgotten about that.

 

[tooextracool]

Not always England got off to a superb start in the 2001 Ashes & lost 4-1 in the end.

i wouldnt exactly call 2-1 an excellent start. or 294 all out for that matter either.

 

[GIMH]

The one problem I can see England having is takin 20 Aus wickets.

Harmison - If he is on form at the WACA then england will win, I can pretty much guarantee that, just as long as England post 300+ in each innings.

Hoggard - I'm gonna be harsh and say that he's going to be pretty ineffectual in Australia. He needs English greentops to help him, and he won't get them down under.

Flintoff - The most consistent of the English fast bowlers, and will take 30 wickets. He's gonna like bowling at the WACA, MCG and Brisbane.

Panesar - Englands best hope for 5fers and 10fers. Will like bowling at the SCG and Brisbane. Could cope on flat tracks because of his accuarcy.

Like the English greentops found in South Africa and India?

 

[Scaly piscine]

Don't get many greentops in England either these days... especially if there's an Asian team touring - that's when some groundsmen decide to prepare the odd dustbowl for Murali.

 

[Dasa]

Don't get many greentops in England either these days... especially if there's an Asian team touring - that's when some groundsmen decide to prepare the odd dustbowl for Murali.

Yep it's all part of the massive Asian conspiracy.