The Ashes 2009 (51 days)

51 days before the start of the 2009 Ashes Test Series...

Having secured tickets to the 5th test at the Brit Oval for this summers Ashes, I am counting down the build-up to the start of this highly anticipated series. Having regained the minuscule trophy back in 2005 England then subsequently handed it straight back to Australia the following year having been destroyed 5-0 down under. How will things unfold this summer?

Things have changed since then. Australia having lost the core of one of the most dominant test teams in history, including Warne, McGrath, Langer, Hayden and Gilchrist are not the side they were back then eventhough they still top the ICC rankings. England's test cricket status however has dropped quicker than Ricky Hatton to a left hook from Manny Pacqiuao. The English bowling lineup has changed more often than David Beckhams hairstyle and are subsequently incapable of bowling out a Sunday league vets side, let alone one of the best batting lineups in world cricket.

Although they are on the verge of winning the 2 match home series against the Windies and in doing so regain the Wisden Trophy, you have to be realistic and recognise that the Caribeans look about as happy as a flock of Flamingos lost on the North Pole. The fact that the West Indian captain Chris Gayle openly admited that he would rather be playing beach cricket with a bottle of Banks beer in one hand didnt really help their cause. But calling this short series a good measuring stick for the England team going into the Ashes is just not accurate...

...As I am writting this the new England pace attack have just ripped through the West Indian middle order.

I think i'll leave it at that for now.