The Ashes

[Tom Joad 25]

I am loving the downplaying of England's chances. I honestly believe it is a deliberate ploy.  

Aussies 
No Cummins for at least the first test.
A partially fit Hazelwood to lead the attack.
A brittle batting line up with the veteran Kawaja having his umpteenth opening partner. 
Labuschagne on the wane.
No recognised all rounder of any repute.

Compared to England this is definitely a weaker outlook.

A close series that is in the balance for me. England have an excellent chance of bringing it home. The fitness of their pace bowlers could be a pivotal factor.

I think it will be close too.

Although Labuschagne has had a bad couple of years, he’s returned to form recently. And Green and Webster are reasonable all rounders.

But yes I think it could be very close.

Looking through the pluses and minuses on both sides the big difference I see is in the spin bowling. All the rest could go either way but we seem hell bent on not picking our best, whoever it might be.