Investec Ashes Test Match 2015 Preview

With the Ashes fast approaching, even the most casual cricket observer has been aware of the impending battle between two cricketing colossuses.

England fans would have been forgiven for fearing the worse for the headline series this summer, only 3 months ago. However, after a spirited if somewhat disjointed display in the West Indies, and a possibly era defining ODI series with New Zealand, England supporters are once again looking forward to the Ashes with more expectation than hope.

Whilst it is perhaps still too brazen to suggest that England are favourites or even on an even keel with a well-drilled, experienced Aussie side, they are certainly in no mood to be pushovers. A fear that was all too real after a the past two disastrous winters Down Under. The previous Ashes series, a 5-0 Australian landslide in 2013/4 is still fresh in the mind for many players and fans alike, and coupled with England's out-dated and dreadful performance at the World Cup this winter, left little room for anyone to suggest anything other than another Australian romp.

There are now however the green shoots of recovery springing from within the England camp. In the West Indies, they made the first tentative steps back in the right direction. A 1-1 draw with the 8^th ranked Test side is not a great result, but the series did serve to answer some questions over England's best XI and also build the confidence of a shell-shocked side. Jonathan Trott's chastening return to the side meant that England were finally forced to pick Adam Lyth for the home Test against New Zealand, a call he duly answered by stroking a century in his second Test at Headingley.

With the removal of Peter Moores as coach in the wake of the tour of the Caribbean, England placed Paul Farbrace in temporary charge and confirmed Eoin Morgan as permanent replacement for Alastair Cook as ODI captain. Whether it was these changes, the changes in selection, or that the public lust for aggressive cricket took hold, that forced England to change their mentality, it matters not. What matters, is that England entered the Test Series against New Zealand seeking to play positive cricket and to not be forced into their shells as they were in both the World Cup and previous Ashes series. The results were somewhat mixed, and resulted in a second series in a row to finish 1-1. But the style of cricket being plied by Farbrace's England was exciting to watch, and stank of optimism and vibrancy. This side may lose a few games they should have sewn up, but they'll certainly win a few they have no right too. In many ways, England mirrored the approach that has made the Kiwi's such a successful and admired team for the last 18 months.

Nothing encapsulates this 'New Era' England style in the Test arena than the performance of Ben Stokes during the first Test this summer at Lords. His 92-ball hundred propelled to England to win a match where they trailed by 134 on first innings. He also stroked his way to a brisk 92 in the first innings, and popped up with a spell of 3/38 in the fourth innings, including the scalps of McCullum and Williamson. His buccaneering style and carefree approach meant that England won a match in which they look dead and buried. He may have fallen cheaply in either innings, but his attacking intent carried him through, and with it England have appeared to follow suit.

The ODI series that followed was to my mind, easily the best I have ever witnessed involving England. In the past I have been critical of pitches that have offered too little for the bowlers, boundaries that are too short, and matches were 400 appears par. However, although I would loathe being a bowler in ODI cricket, that series served perfectly to remind the English public how entertaining their cricket side can be. And if that series serves to stir public support and a sense of pride in the side, then surely it can do no harm ahead of a series that, although perhaps misguided, most cricket fans see as the ultimate guide for the health of English cricket.

That is not to say that England have found the perfect formula and have no work to do ahead of the series, there a still some unanswered questions. Will Moeen Ali have the skill to lead the spin attack for all 5 Tests in the face of Clarke, Warner and co? Has Gary Ballance proved himself against the very best attacks? Although his average is very healthy, and he has speed along past 1,000 test runs, I still have some lingering doubts over his technique against high quality Test bowling. His runs have mostly come against weak Indian and Sri Lankan seam attacks, and he has struggled against both the West Indies and New Zealand this year. England will also have to shuffle their pace attack well throughout the summer to make it through the 5 Tests.

Stuart Broad and James Anderson can be considered guaranteed starters, and with Stokes offering the best option as an all-rounder that leaves room for one further seamer, perhaps two if conditions dictate. In Plunkett, Wood, Finn and Jordan, England have a solid troupe of fast bowlers. However, I would not be at all surprised to see one of the Overton twins elevated into the side over this series, both were in the squad for the final ODI against New Zealand, and are clearly highly regarded by ECB management. In addition, it would not be unreasonable to push for Mark Footitt's inclusion; offering a left arm angle, and with a recent first class record that compares with anyone in the country, Footit could well be on standby to trade blows with Mitchell Johnson.

It is worth remembering that although England have enjoyed something of an upward curve over the past 3 months, that curve still leaves them somewhat in the wake of Michael Clarke's Australian side. They warmed up for this Ashes series by pummelling the same West Indies side that England could only muster a draw against. They do have some small selection quandaries and a few players searching for their best form, but compared to England, they are in rude health, and a rightly still favourites for the series this summer.

Having said that, whilst England are most definitely underdogs, if they can continue their aggressive brand of cricket and whip the home support into a frenzy a la 2005, then who knows? The first Test at Cardiff will no doubt be crucial. If England can hold their own and deny the visitors victory, or even push for a win themselves, then it should grant them the self-belief to go on and have a successful series. It is also worth remembering that interim coach Farbrace has overseen the recent upturn in fortunes, and that Trevor Bayliss will be in place come July 8^th.

This England side, have unarguably played better, and more entertaining cricket since the start of this summer. Whether they are able to string that together into a consistent performance over 4 or 5 Tests is another matter entirely. Once thing is for sure though, it certainly won't be dull, and England may just spring a surprise or two.