So far, so good for England
THERE’S no better habit than a winning habit and England’s recent 3-2 series success over Australia will give them plenty of confidence for the rest of the summer – and beyond.
True, the Ashes is a different ball game altogether, but with a World Twenty20 victory and one-day series win behind them, England can head Down Under in the autumn without fear and in familiar territory.
The Australians were a few bowlers light but you can only beat what’s put in front of you and England stole an edge on the Aussies with good, solid performances which is bound to have had an affect on the Australian mindsets.
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Before the Ashes, however, there is plenty of cricket left to play and next up for England is a three-match one-day series with Bangladesh and a chance to mix a few things up ahead of their toughest task, against Pakistan later in the month.
The Bangladeshis are punching above their weight here and I expect the England selectors to give some squad players a chance to stake their claim for a place, while the likes of Graeme Swann and Kevin Pietersen are rested.
Ian Bell, for example, is back on top of his game right now and his 158 for the Lions against India ‘A’ yesterday could well have earned him his chance, while Liam Plunkett’s four wickets in the tied match at New Road won’t go unnoticed I’m sure.
But whichever side is selected, England will be looking for a convincing 3-0 victory to go into the long series with Pakistan.
As they have already showed in their Twenty20’s with Australia this week, the Pakistanis are an extremely talented side, if not unpredictable. England can leave nothing to chance.