Our cricket writers Paul Smith and Katherine Lucas take a look at who will star and who will flop as England bid to retain the Ashes in Australia… including who will end the series as victors.
Top run-scorer (England)
Paul: The smart money is on captain Joe Root, the second best batsmen in the world in terms of the rankings and England’s captain. There’s no question he has the ability and mental toughness to succeed. However, it’s difficult to look past his predecessor as captain, Alastair Cook. While he hasn’t fired in the warm-up, Cook will know this is likely to be his final Ashes tour. Memories of his 766 runs in the victorious 2010/11 series remain strong. The flat, bouncy pitches are made for batsmen with the mental desire to bed in and bat big – there is no one quite like Cook for that.
Katherine: There’s a lot of pressure on Joe Root to shine and if he doesn’t, it could be difficult for England’s top order to get going. With an impressive average of 54, the captain is one of the few safe bets. However, he won’t necessarily have fond memories of touring Australia, as in the 2013-14 whitewash, he was dropped for the first – and last – time in his international career for the final Test in Sydney. Root will be out to put that right this time around.
Top run-scorer (Australia)
Paul: I’m going for an outsider here, and plumping for Usman Khawaja. He averages more than 60 in Australian conditions and it’s possible he’ll go under the radar somewhat with England likely to target captain Steve Smith and the dangerous opener David Warner. He has five Test centuries – all in Australia.
Katherine: David Warner is undoubtedly fired up considering his comments about Ben Stokes over the past few days. Ordinarily, he’d be a good shout for top run-scorer, but there are a few question marks over his fitness. Instead, I’m opting for Steve Smith as their main man, as he hit 143 the last time he faced England having already hit a double-century earlier in the 2015 series.
Most wickets (England)
Paul: Usually, Jimmy Anderson is the most important England bowler as the leader of the attack. However, in Australian conditions, it is vital that Stuart Broad steps up. The extra bounce and carry on Australian wickets plays into Broad’s hands. He’ll also enjoy the confrontation Ashes series bring, particularly as he remains public enemy number one Down Under, after memorably standing his ground when Australia called he’d edged the ball to slip in the Trent Bridge Test of 2013.
Katherine: There’s been a tremendous amount of disruption to England’s bowling attack already, yet one thing remains the same – they can always rely on Broad and Anderson. Having said that, Chris Woakes put in some inspired performances in the summer against the West Indies and while he’ll be focusing on his batting to some extent as he moves up to number eight, his pace could be vital if he can just find that bit of consistency which he lacks away from home.
Most wickets (Australia)
Paul: Pick one of three! Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are a ferocious pace trio who will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing an inexperienced England lineup in home conditions. All three are capable of ripping through the visitors – but Starc is the best bowler in the world on current form. He’s the most likely to deliver on the hype.
Katherine: It’s difficult to see past Starc. The left-armer has taken 17 wickets in his last two Sheffield Shield matches and the thought of facing him will be frightening some of England’s less experienced batsmen.
Surprise star
Paul: Mark Stoneman has found his form in the warm-up matches with a 50 in each of his innings and his first ton in senior England colours. That will give the Surrey opener a welcome confidence. Had a fine season for The Oval county and has the temperament to rise to the challenge. I expect his good form to continue when it matters.
Katherine: Cameron Bancroft’s inclusion wasn’t expected, but he’s been in brilliant form for Western Australia. The 24-year-old recently smashed 228 against New South Wales and as he can play as an opener, or at six or seven in the order, he should be able to make the step up to Test cricket comfortably.
Player of the Series
Paul: As I’m going to tip England to return home with the little urn, I’ll back a Three Lions player to claim this title, too. All-rounder Chris Woakes has huge shoes to fill now Ben Stokes is out of the touring party. Woakes was likely to play, anyway, but could hide behind Stokes a little. Now he has to deliver big runs and lots of wickets. He’s England’s most improved cricketer and extremely consistent. With bat and ball he has the chance to have a major say in the destiny of the Ashes and Woakes has shown he has the mindset to do it as he’s risen to prominence in Root’s side.
Katherine: All the indications are that it’s going to be Starc’s series. England traditionally tend to struggle on Australian wickets against bowlers like him. He recently became the first man to record two hat-tricks in the first match on Australian soil.
Result
Paul: A thriller and a tie at 2-2, with Australia going 1-0 up and then pegging England back to 2-2 – with a draw thrown in meaning England retain the urn.
Katherine: Australia have certainly opened things up a little by pulling a few surprises in their squad. That said, the hosts are rightly favourites and while their talk of a whitewash may be a little optimistic, England’s miserable record Down Under should continue. Australia 3-2 England.
We will be bringing you comprehensive coverage of the Ashes, right here on the Sportsman.
