It’s a chance for the nation to really assert their authority in the Ashes.
Original article can be found here.
For the second time in 2013 Australia and England prepare for the Ashes series, with the Three Lions winning 3-0 in the summer before now heading Down Under.
Many pundits are still predicting the visitors will take the five-match encounter and extend their winning streak in the oldest cricket competition to four series’.
It’s an unusual position for the English to be in as years of Aussie dominance has turned on its head and the nation need to make the most of this surprising period of austerity.
Here are five Englishmen that need to impress on the tour:
Michael Carberry
The 33-year-old opener has been given another chance on the international stage with just one Test cap to date heading into the first match.
With an unbeaten 150 in the warm-ups the Surrey batsman looks in good stead and with question marks over Jonny Bairstow’s capabilities, this could be Carberry’s moment.
Alastair Cook
Whilst not many are doubting the skipper’s ability as a captain – with three series wins and one draw in the player’s last four attempts – with the bat Cook could be sharper.
Last time the nation visited Australia the 28-year-old smashed an astonishing 766 runs and more of the same will be greatly welcomed.
Steven Finn
The towering pace-man is certainly a talent but there are still several tweaks the bowler needs to make to his game.
Finn has addressed a slightly wayward run up and while the 24-year-old takes wickets, these come at an expensive price and the seamer needs to be more economical.
Boyd Rankin
A relative unknown outside of English first-class cricket, the former Ireland international was in impressive form with Warwickshire last season.
After doing well with the one-day team, Rankin has now made the step up to the Test setup and with question marks over other seamers, has a chance to stake a claim for a regular place.
Chris Tremlett
To complete the trio of towering fast bowlers, Tremlett is another to be given a second chance with the national team.
Since 2007 the 32-year-old has made just 11 Test appearances and after impressing with Surrey in 2013 the bowler has one final attempt to make it at the top.
The five Australians that need to impress in the Ashes.