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Ferocity is a word you could often ascribe to Lee. At his best only the freak of nature that is Shoaib Akhtar could match the blond bombshell for pace and though he was almost inevitably overshadowed by McGrath, Gillespie and Warne in the great Australian teams of the turn of the century, there is little shame in that.

Indeed, with arguably the most metronomic duo in the history of the game hogging the overs for most of his career, the very fact that Lee managed to take 310 wickets in his 76 appearances speaks volumes for his destructive abilities.

As with most skiddy, attacking fast bowlers Lee could often be a tad expensive but it was more than compensated for by his relentless, boundless energy and above all, speed. As a sport, cricket has a surprising dearth of natural athletes but Lee truly bucked the trend.

The sight of the New South Welshman at his best was simply awesome. With a bouncing, fluid run up and high, open-chested action the ball would be propelled towards a cowing at a seemingly supersonic pace. When he was at his best it was the added ingredient of late swing which baffled batsmen the world over but even without it his speed could be too much.

For us English fans, Lee will of course be remembered for one series. Whilst McGrath busied himself falling over stray balls in practice and Gillespie had a very public crisis of confidence, Lee shed his image of a preening, Bondi showboat and proved himself both a gentleman and a bowler capable of leading a besieged attack.

Whilst the likes of Ponting and Katich were clearly affected by the torment of the English crowds, Lee revelled in it, effortlessly living up to the pantomime villain status he was given. And his villainy almost stretched beyond pantomime status. As England limped towards their target of 129 it was Lee, who along with Warne threatened to spoil England party taking 3-51 in a ferocious spell which claimed the wickets of Pietersen and Flintoff, the latter clean bowled with by a simply unplayable delivery.

And then there was Edgbaston; the greatest test and the games most iconic image of a distraught Lee, crouched down at the non-striker’s end as Andrew Flintoff bends down to offer him a consoling arm. Whatever Lee goes on to achieve in the remainder of his limited-overs career — and we can only hope that his body allows him to take advantage of the T20 boom for a few more years yet — his image is forever etched into cricketing infamy.

Australia will be without fast bowler Brett Lee and allrounder James Hopes for the third ODI against India in Delhi on Saturday. Lee had not recovered from his elbow problem while Hopes still had a hamstring injury.

“Both the guys [Lee and Hopes] are not playing tomorrow. Lee had a light training today and he looks 85% fine but there is still some pain in his elbow,” Ponting said. “Hopes got through his bowling today but we have our fingers crossed. We hope he will be okay for Mohali after sitting out tomorrow.”

There was some good news for the visitors, though, as wicketkeeper Graham Manou was expected to reach Delhi in time for the game as a replacement for Tim Paine, who broke his finger during the second ODI in Nagpur. “Graham [Manou] will arrive this afternoon. He has some international experience having played a few Test matches and also in Ashes,” Ponting said.

An unpredictable pitch and disciplined Australian bowling limited Pakistan to 91 for 3 at the halfway mark of their innings in the penultimate Group A match at Centurion. Kamran Akmal led Pakistan’s charge with a patient innings of 44 but his dismissal off Shane Watson in the 19th over prompted a slowing of the run-rate as Pakistan struggled to contend with Australia’s medium-pacers.

Akmal and Shahid Afridi, promoted in place of Imran Nazir, began the innings on a positive footing, pouncing on the short-pitched offerings of Peter Siddle and weathering the early storm of Brett Lee. Lee exploited the variable bounce to good effect but much of the pressure generated at his end was undone by Siddle, who conceded 22 runs from three loose overs.

The introduction of Mitchell Johnson into the attack prompted a reversal of Australia’s fortunes. Johnson’s first delivery surprised Afridi for pace and bounce, resulting in a top-edge and a diving catch for James Hopes at backward-square. The Australians might have capitalised soon after but for Nathan Hauritz’s fumble of an Akmal mis-hit at deep cover, leaving Akmal and Younis Khan to reel off a methodical second-wicket partnership of 45.

With a half-century in sight, Akmal chopped a shorter delivery from Watson onto his stumps to signal the start of Australia’s counter-attack. Younis, in particular, struggled to adapt to the pace of the Centurion wicket and Australia’s slower seamers, and it came as little surprise when he fell attempting to push the pace off Hopes for 18 (from 49 deliveries).

Shoaib Malik appeared more assured than his captain at the crease and signalled his intent early with a sublime six over long-on off the bowling of Hopes. Yousuf, meanwhile, began his innings cautiously, requiring eight deliveries before contributing his first run to the Pakistani total.

Pakistan’s middle-over struggles appeared to justify Ricky Ponting’s decision to send the Group A front-runners in to bat on Wednesday. Australia generally fancy themselves as total defenders rather than pursuers but recent heavy rain convinced Ponting to allow his seamers first use of the pitch.

Its a bit repetitive to claim on the eve of every Ashes Test that it is a huge game for us, but thats exactly how both teams are feeling on Thursday, ahead of the fourth Test. Both sides have injury concerns, and it will be interesting to see what the final teams will look like.
For us, Brett Lee is 100 per cent fit, and has had rigorous net sessions both on Wednesday and Thursday. However, it is important to resist the temptation of rushing him back into the game. He has played no cricket recently, and one would not want to push him too hard after an injury. The selectors will of course be looking at the importance of this Test, and I dont think they will take a decision till just before the start of the game.
The other major concern is about Michael Clarkes abdomen strain. He is a little sore at the moment, and considering his recent form, we are hoping he will be in better shape before the start of the game. Brad Haddin has recovered really well, but here again we will have to see how he feels on Friday morning. For England, all eyes are trained on Andrew Flintoff. They have picked an extra batsman as cover for him should he be unavailable, but like us I feel they will take a final call only on match day.
The Edgbaston Test saw many of our players come into form. Michael Hussey looked impressive and Marcus North also showed glimpses of the form he had displayed in South Africa.
Shane Watson has also fitted in pretty well at the top of the order, which is a big boost for the balance of the side. These performances will hopefully be the start of good things for us, and I was happy with our bowling as well.
Mitchell Johnson bowled with a lot of fire and aggression. In fact, it was nice to see him and Stuart Broad having a go at each other. They are young kids in the heat of battle and nobody went overboard with the chit-chat . Australia as a team plays its best cricket when they play with intensity intent and aggression. I hope to see more of that in the next two Tests.

Shane Watson is ready to become a improvised opener if Phillip Hughes’ woes continue, but the allrounder expects it will be the added value of his bowling that earns him a Test return. Watson, who has recovered from a thigh injury, is officially in the squad as a specialist batsman and has the backing of the coach Tim Nielsen to fill any spot in the order.

While Hughes has struggled, particularly against Andrew Flintoff, in posting 57 runs in the opening two Tests, it would be just as big a risk to replace him because there are no other genuine openers in the squad. One of the major criticisms of the selectors is they don’t have cover for Hughes or Simon Katich, but they believe Watson is capable of doing the job. He does as well.

“Definitely,” Watson said. “I’ve been working on my batting, especially the past couple of months, tightening up my technique a little more. I’ve always said I believe I have the game – and the mental game – to bat anywhere in the top order. I’ve been batting from three to four for Queensland for the last three or four years and opening the batting in one-day cricket.”

Watson did have a stint at the top in the Sheffield Shield a couple of summers ago when he hoped to break into the Test team after Justin Langer’s retirement, but the experiment ended before Christmas. “That was nice and successful,” he said while smiling. Have things changed since then? “Yes.”

The Australians, who are down 1-0, head to Northampton on Wednesday to prepare for Friday’s tour match, Watson’s first game of the tour. After spending two weeks on his fitness following the injury picked up during last month’s World Twenty20, he hopes to deliver between 12 and 15 overs a day to prove he is capable of adding to his eight Tests. He also dreams of the days when his body frees him of the restrictions.

“Up to 15 overs is the ideal workload for me until I can get through some games consistently and then my ultimate goal is to have a free rein on what I bowl, but at the moment that’s a little while away,” he said. “That’s the thing that I’m aiming for and hopefully I can get some continuous cricket into my body.”

Watson believes he can create greater balance in the side, offering contributions with both disciplines. However, unless Australia drop someone in the top six – Marcus North scored a century in Cardiff and Michael Hussey’s form is improving – it is unlikely he will squeeze into the XI unless Hughes continues to underwhelm.

“I bring a bowling option to the team, as well as batting in the top order,” he said. “It’s always helpful for the captain to have another option.”

Watson has not played since the Twenty20 loss to Sri Lanka in Nottingham last month and has gradually increased his bowling load. He has been joined in rehabilitation by Brett Lee, who has been fighting a stomach injury since before the series started and is battling to be fit for next week’s third Test. Watson knows better than anyone about injuries and said it would be a miracle if Lee was able to play in the tour game.

“It normally takes at least a week of building up your bowling to be physically fit to play in a game,” he said. “I’d say it’d be a long shot for him to be fit, but miracles can happen.”

The other major fear for Australia is the form of Mitchell Johnson, who was so erratic at Lord’s that his place has come under question. Johnson has spent a lot of time with Watson at Queensland, where they played before moving interstate, and is trying to find the form that made him a world-beater in South Africa four months ago.

“Mitch is travelling okay,” Watson said. “He knows he’s not exactly at his best, but it wasn’t too long ago that he was at his absolute best in South Africa. At his best, he’s one of the best bowlers in the world.”

Johnson’s lack of form adds to the side’s troubles and even the fringe members of the squad are feeling the stress. “There’s pressure on everyone,” Watson said. “We’ve got to be at our best – no excuses – and we have to stand up as a group. Each individual has to do everything we can to leave these shores with the Ashes in our hand.”

Watson was in England four years ago when Australia lost that series, but he was playing for Hampshire instead of fighting for a Test place. He didn’t expect the explosion of interest in the contest since the host’s victory at Lord’s, but won’t blame that for his team’s under-performance at the home of cricket.

They have a week to work out how to keep their opponents quiet, something they failed to do in 2005. “It can be very difficult at times when England have their tail up,” he said. “They are extremely good frontrunners: the team, the public and the media. But we can’t let other influences affect our preparation or psyche. That’s something we’ve got to be very conscious of.”

Brett Lee has been ruled out of the first two Tests of the Ashes series with a low-grade abdominal tear and is no guarantee to play thereafter. As revealed by 22yardscricket, the Australian fast bowler experienced pain down his left side following last week’s tour game against England  in Worcester, and will be sidelined for the Cardiff and Lord’s Tests at the very least.
Lee was absent from Australia’s training session at Sophia Gardens on Monday after being sent to London for scans, which revealed a small tear in an abdominal muscle. His absence has thrown Australia’s planning into disarray ahead of the first Test, which begins on Wednesday, and will deny the tourists the services of their most decorated bowler.
“There probably is a bit more disappointment that it is an Ashes Test,” Lee said. “I’m extremely disappointed. I’m gutted that I won’t be there for that first Test match. But I’ll find a way to bounce back. I’ve gotten back from five ankle surgeries so I’m sure one little muscle strain won’t keep me out for too long.
“I still see myself hopefully playing a major role for Australia through the end part of the series, whether that’s the second, third, fourth or fifth Test match, depending on how things go. I’m very disappointed but it’s not the end of the world. I’ve got a couple of weeks now to get it right. I’ll be hopefully running in a couple of days if [the physio Alex Kountouris] lets me. I’ll be working on my fitness … and hopefully I’ll be back shortly.”
Lee was comfortably Australia’s best bowler in the tour match in Worcester, claiming 6 for 76 in the first innings and displaying a mastery of reverse-swing, but his 35 overs have come at an immense cost.
Prior to the injury, Lee seemed certain to partner Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle in Australia’s pace attack in Cardiff, with Stuart Clark and Nathan Hauritz duelling for the final bowling position. Precisely how the Australians will compensate for his absence remains uncertain, but Lee insisted the lessons from South Africa – in which Australia swept to a 2-1 series victory with a relatively untried pace line-up – would serve them well in the Ashes.
“I was going pretty much as hard as I possibly could [in Worcester],” Lee said. “I suppose I had to prove to myself that I can do it again. I never doubted in my own mind but it was more me going out there and showing that I can get close to the 100 mile an hour mark again and take wickets, which I’ve done. I’m proud about that and obviously I have sustained a small muscle tear which has ruled me out of the first Test match. Yes, I’m disappointed, but it’s not the end of the world.
“It gives somebody else in our team an opportunity. We’ve got a very strong bowling attack here. The guys did the job in South Africa while I wasn’t there. We’ve got a great bunch of guys, guys who are willing to go out there and do the hard work. I’ve got the utmost confidence in the guys that they can do the job out there.”
Lee, Australia’s most senior bowler with 310 wickets from 76 Tests, only recently returned to action after undergoing foot and ankle surgery following the Boxing Day Test against South Africa. The tour matches against Sussex and England Lions were his first outings outside of Twenty20 competition this year, and his display in Worcester last week had prompted many to feel that he was nearing peak form.
Kountouris said Lee could have faced 10 weeks on the sidelines had the injury not been detected so early. “We’re pretty thankful it’s not the more severe side of things,” Kountouris said. “It is a relatively good outcome. We got it pretty early. Brett’s pretty sensitive with his body and knows when things aren’t quite right. We got it nice and early I think.”
Kevin Pietersen resisted the temptation of indulging in a spot of pre-Ashes schadenfreude by expressing sadness for Lee. “It’s a huge, huge loss for Australia,” Pietersen said. “Who knows with the Australian team? It could be cat and mouse… [but] it’s sad for [Lee] if it’s true. We keep in touch and are pretty good mates.
“He’s a fantastic competitor and an amazing bowler. We’ve all seen how he’s bowled in the last couple of games. He’s a huge, huge, huge player for Australia. There’s his experience in the dressing room and also the intimidation he has on batsmen around the world, because he’s the fastest bowler in the world.”
Michael Clarke, Lee’s Australian team-mate, expressed sympathy for his colleague. “He’s worked really hard over the last 12 months to get back,” he said. “I only found out this morning that he was having the scans, so it came as a bit of a surprise to me. The most important thing is to get Brett as fit as possible.”

Three members of Australia’s all-powerful side of this decade, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist, have been voted into an all-time Australian XI by a Cricinfo jury, but there is no room for Ricky Ponting.

In June, Cricinfo announced the definitive search for the all-time greatest teams from all the Test-playing countries, starting with Australia. The Australia jury, which comprises cricket historians and print and radio journalists – among them Peter Roebuck, Gideon Haigh, David Frith, Warwick Franks and Jim Maxwell – were faced with the task of picking 11 from a shortlist created by Cricinfo’s editors from the 410 wearers of the baggy green.

Australia’s all-time opening pair was agreed to be Victor Trumper, whose average of 39.04 from 48 Tests belies his art, and Arthur Morris, part of Don Bradman’s Invincibles on the 1948 tour of England. “[Victor] Trumper was the prototype of an expressive Australian batsmanship based on boldness, instinct and natural talent,” said Haigh. Honourable mention was made of Matthew Hayden, arguably the most aggressive opener of the modern era, who averaged over 50 in Tests, but failed to make the XI.

At No. 3 is Bradman himself, whose selection Franks called “axiomatic”. The middle order is bolstered by Greg Chappell and Allan Border. The Waughs, Steve and Mark, were strong contenders but missed out. Jury member Mike Coward’s reasoning for the inclusion of Border was that “the sustained success of Australia over the past two decades or so is the direct result of his bravery, commitment and leadership”.

Keith Miller and Adam Gilchrist were unanimous picks for the allrounder and wicketkeeper slots, while contrasting legspinners Shane Warne and Bill O’Reilly both found a place, edging out Clarrie Grimmett and Bert “Dainty” Ironmonger.

The fast-bowling spots went to Dennis Lillee and Glenn McGrath, takers of 355 and 563 Test wickets respectively, who beat out the likes of the legendary Alan Davidson (186 wickets at 20.53), Ray Lindwall (228 at 23.03) and Garth McKenzie (246 at 29.78). This was the most difficult part of selecting an all-time Australian XI, because this group had the longest list, indicative of the massive depth in that department for Australia.

“In many ways, this team tells you why Australia have been such a dominant force in cricket over the years,” explained Sambit Bal, Cricinfo’s editor. “They have had great players through the ages, and you have them all here: Victor Trumper from the 1900s, Bradman and O’Reilly from the 30s and 40s, Arthur Morris and Keith Miller from the 40s and 50s, Greg Chappell and Dennis Lillee from the 70s and the 80s, Allan Border from the 80s, and McGrath, Warne and Gilchrist from the last two decades. That’s a wonderful spread.”

Cricinfo also asked readers to vote for their own favourites. Many did so, and in their view, Hayden, Ponsford, Ponting and Steve Waugh were chosen over Trumper, Morris, Greg Chappell and Border. The bottom half, however, remained the same.

More details here.

The nominees

Openers: Arthur Morris, Mark Taylor, Bill Woodfull, Bill Ponsford, Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Bill Lawry, Bob Simpson, Victor Trumper.

Middle order: David Boon, Allan Border, Donald Bradman, Greg Chappell, Neil Harvey, Charles Macartney, Stan McCabe, Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh and Steve Waugh.

Allrounders: Warwick Armstrong, Richie Benaud, Jack Gregory, Keith Miller and Monty Noble.

Wicketkeepers: Jack Blackham, Adam Gilchrist, Ian Healy, Rod Marsh, Bert Oldfield and Don Tallon.

Spinners: Clarrie Grimmett, Bert Ironmonger, Bill O’Reilly, Hugh Trumble and Shane Warne.

Fast bowlers: Ray Lindwall, Charlie Turner, Fred Spofforth, Dennis Lillee, Garth McKenzie, Alan Davidson, Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie, Ted McDonald, Craig McDermott.

The last one year has been all about Gautam Gambhir proving everyone wrong. TOI checks the rise and rise of the gutsy Indian opener, after the early bumps…

THE EARLY YEARS

From the time he made his Test debut, at Mumbai against Australia in 2004, Gambhir didnt look like he could translate his domestic highs on the international stage. He was in and out of the squad until the Lankan tour last July. 2004-July 2008: 14 Tests, Runs: 692, Avg: 32.95, 100s: 1 July 2008-April 2009: 11 Tests, Runs: 1579, Avg: 75.19, 100s: 5

IN SRI LANKA, JULY 2008

3 Tests, 6 innings, 310 runs, 3 50s, HS: 74, Avg: 51.66

IMPACT ON THE SERIES:

Along with Sehwag , Gambhir was the only batsman to come out with flying colours. Both were in cracking form, but couldnt help India from losing the series 1-2 . Gambhir finally showed he belonged at this level.

QUALITY OF THE ATTACK:

Spin twins Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis, destroyed India. Except Sehwag and Gambhir no batsman was able to handle the duo, particularly Mendis, whose unpredictabilty left Indias Fab Four in a spin.

AGAINST AUSTRALIA AT HOME, OCT-NOV 2008

3 Tests, 6 innings, 463 runs, 1 50, 2 100s, HS: 206, Avg: 77.16

IMPACT ON THE SERIES:

This series saw Gambhir coming into his own. The Australians struggled to get the Delhi left-handers number throughout their Indian sojourn. Strokes flowed freely from the 27-year-olds blade, with a 206 at Delhi being the standout knock. Gambhirs batting display was a factor in India pocketing the home series 2-0 .

QUALITY OF THE ATTACK:

The Aussies had a more-than-decent pace attack in Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Shane Watson and Peter Siddle. Cameron White and off-spinner Jason Krejza manned the spin department. Though Krejza enjoyed a dream debut at Nagpur, taking 12 wickets, he didnt have to bowl to Gambhir!

AGAINST ENGLAND AT HOME, DECEMBER 2008

2 Tests, 4 innings, 361 runs, 2 50s, 1 100s, HS: 179, Avg: 90.25

IMPACT ON THE SERIES:

If his 67 in Indias fabulous fourth-innings chase at Chennai was valuable, the second Test saw Gambhir conjure up scores of 179 and 97 in a drawn affair. India won 1-0 and once again Gambhir had essayed a central role.

QUALITY OF THE ATTACK:

Slightly better than the Aussies. Pacer Steve Harmison flopped, but Andrew Flintoff and James Anderson were difficult to negotiate . The spin attack was respectable, with Monty Pa n e s a r and Graeme Swann not that easy to get away.

IN NEW ZEALAND, MARCH-APRIL 2009

3 Tests, 6 innings, 445 runs, 1 50, 2 100s, HS: 167, Avg: 89

IMPACT ON THE SERIES:

Cynics may have predicted his end on the seaming wickets and cold conditions of New Zealand, but the Delhi lad pleasantly surprised everyone. It was perhaps one of the finest performances by an Indian outside the subcontinent. The most amazing effort came at Napier, a solid 137 in 643 minutes, that saved the Test. This was followed by a free-flowing 167 at Wellington. The Gambhir Wagon wheel was thus complete.

QUALITY OF THE ATTACK:

The only bowler who could have caused any concern was New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori, but the slow left-armer was dealt with easily. The rest of the pack Tim Southee, Chris Martin, James Franklin and Ian OBrien was anything but lethal.

Recuperating from a muscle tear, which ruled him out of the first two Ashes Tests, Australian speedster Brett Lee is pinning hope on third Test in Edgbaston to return to the side.

Lee had began fantastically for the Ashes by taking six wickets in the warm-up but the injury played spoilsport.

“Lord’s is out of the question and I just have to continue the small steps in my recovery and hopefully the third Test will be a chance,” Lee said.

“It is frustrating and the timing could’ve been better but there’s no point worrying about it. I have started running again and it felt OK but I know it’s one of those injuries you simply cannot rush, otherwise my tour could be over.”

It was a heartbreak for Lee to get himself injured just ahead of the Ashes but he is relieved that it was not an ankle injury, which he feared could have ended his career.

“I keep saying to myself, thank God it’s not the ankle, because I’ve had five operations on it. I reckon if the ankle had gone again, that may have been the end,” Lee said.

London-based Australian surgeon David Connell is looking after Lee’s recovery process and the paceman has posed confidence in the treatment he is getting.

Less than 48 hours before the first Test, the big news — and bad news if you support Australia — is the injury to Brett Lee. A side strain will keep him out of the first Test. This is hugely disappointing for Brett, who has worked so hard on his fitness over the last year. He also bowled really well in our warm-up game, which makes the loss even more unfortunate.
Luckily, we have five pace bowlers in the side who know that they deserve to be in the playing eleven. We have always prided ourselves on our bench strength and I am confident that we have good cover for this unfortunate setback. That said, it would be great to have Brett up and running for the second Test, and we will be monitoring his progress closely.
After weeks of unbelievable hype and build-up, it will be a relief for us to take the field for the first Test, starting Wednesday. We have been in England for a month now, and it would be safe to say that I have never been better prepared for a Test series. It’s been a long stint, but a beneficial one for the younger guys in the squad. In fact, barring five players, the rest of the guys are on their first Ashes tour, so the senior pros have been pretty serious about talking these youngsters through what to expect in the coming weeks.
   Many experts feel that the Australians are a bit low on experience, because many in the squad have made their debut in the last 12 to 18 months. However, none of these guys have put a foot wrong since making their Test debut, and I am pretty confident that they will do well in England as well.
   Phil Hughes, our diminutive, unorthodox opener, scored three sensational centuries against South Africa, proving that he is a player to look out for. He is pretty similar in build and style to Gautam Gambhir — strong off the backfoot and possessing a great ability to play the ball square of the wicket. He is a very exciting player to have at the top of the order, and if he masters conditions in England, he can be a major factor in the outcome of this series.
   There is also Andrew Mac-Donald, a miserly bowler who is no slouch with the bat, having scored quite a few centuries in his last season of domestic cricket in Australia. All these guys were exceptional in South Africa, and played major roles in our series win there.
   Marcus North is another of the supposedly raw, inexperienced players in the squad. He too had a fantastic debut, with a century in Johannesburg. He captains Western Australia, has played a lot of county cricket in England and is an unflappable character who handles a crisis situation really well. His unbeaten 98 last week shows that he is in good touch, which is also a good sign ahead of the first Test.
   Another significant plus from our warm-up game was the way Michael Hussey played. Few of us have as much experience of English conditions as Hussey, and few relish these conditions more. To see him middling the ball so beautifully in Worcester gave us a lot of confidence.
   If I look at the England side, I would say that we are pretty evenly matched. Ian Chappell feels that England have a better bowling side, and while I would not deny the fact that James Anderson, Andrew Flintoff, Stuart Broad and Graham Onions form a pretty handy attack, I would advise everybody to see how both teams progress before forming an opinion.
   A lot has been made of John Buchanan’s two-week stint in England but I am not particularly fussed about that. I gather it was more about the overall structure of cricket here.
   While I am the one who’s called Punter, it was always Shane Warne and Glenn Mc-Grath who predicted series scorelines even before a ball was bowled! I would not be as adventurous, and right now all I can say is that the first Test will be crucial to the fate of the series.
   If we are able to execute our plans well and impose ourselves on the hosts in Cardiff itself, things will go according to plan. Our plan, of course, is to retain the Ashes.