The Ashes 2010: Expect the Finest England - Australia

England's Ashes 2009 Glory

In 2009, England had captured the Ashes 2-1 at home, triggering an extensive run of fanfare for Andrew Strauss and his men. The hosts won at Lord's (by 115 runs) and at the Oval (by 197 runs) while Australia took honors at Leed's, winning the test by an innings and 80 runs. The tests at Cardiff and Birmingham ended in draws. Strauss himself, along with spinner Graeme Swann played critical roles in the England wins as Andrew Flintoff and James Anderson chipped in with good returns.

Ashes 2010 And Expectations

This year, England are expected to run a strong batting order led by Strauss, Kevin Pietersen, Alastair Cook and Ian Bell, with Jonathan Trott tipped to bolster his position as a stable one down bat. The recent test match look-in for Eoin Morgan sets the stage up for him Down Under. Stuart Broad, Ryan Sidebottom and Tim Bresnan could front the seam attack, with Swann lending variety with spin.

In the Australian ranks, skipper Ricky Ponting could look at Ashes 2010 as a series to reclaim supremacy over the traditional rivals, in what would be one of his last few Ashes outings. Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke and Simon Katich will be the other big guns in the line-up. It will be interesting to watch Shane Watson as he tries to make the grade as a test batsman of international class. Doug Bollinger has been rising in reputation and along with Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle, could lead a bowling attack potent enough to unleash serious pace on Australia's seaming tracks.

Ashes 2010 Fixtures

Cricket Australia has announced dates for the five tests under Ashes 2010, to be played between November 2010 and January 2011. The following is the match fixture: (The dates are subject to change, according to Cricket Australia. For tickets and other details, log on to Cricket.com.au)

First Test: Nov 25-29, 2010 (Brisbane);

second test: Dec 3-7, 2010 (Adelaide);

third test: Dec 16-20, 2010 (Perth);

fourth test: Dec 26-30, 2010 (Melbourne);

fifth test: Jan 3-7, 2011 (Sydney).

Let the Action Begin.......