It's The Ashes (again)

[SuperBob2002]

I'm not really buzzing for this series like I usually am. I think we'll win it, so it's not like the dread of the series down under, I just don't feel excited.

Maybe it's because I'm getting more and more invested in County cricket so my main passion/focus has switched.

I'll still watch, and I'm sure we'll see some superb cricket from both sides. It's weird how I feel. Maybe it'll change when the first ball is bowled next week.

I think with our bowling injuries, and with Stokes being quite obviously crocked, we're on the back foot before the series starts.

Be very interesting to see how the Bazball tactics stand up to Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood. Very excellent bowling attack.

I'm expecting a few collapses. I'm still not sold on the mentality of this gung ho approach. I'd rather have a team that plays the situation rather than has a 'brand' (I detest that phrase) and sticks to it no matter what.

But I also believe we'll see a test where it really clicks and we'll batter them. Hopefully the clicking of the brand happens more than the collapses.