Ashes summer (and winter) begins with English hopes high

England v Australia

1st Ashes Test Match, Trent Bridge, Wednesday 10 - Sunday 14 July

A dry Trent Bridge wicket in Nottingham will greet the touring Australians today at the beginning of back-to-back Ashes series.

The Aussies are the underdogs in the five match test series against England and further five contests down under over the winter.

England will know how vital it can be to start well in their bid to retain the Ashes they regained at home in 2009 and held in a thrilling 3-1 series victory in 2010-11 in Australia.

Alastair Cook's side have just one selection decision to make with three bowlers - Stephen Finn, Tim Bresnan and Graham Onions, vying for one seam bowling spot. Finn is the man in possession and may get the nod, though Onions' ability to swing the ball on a tight line and length might be a valuable asset at Trent Bridge and he has troubled the Aussies before.

Off spinner Graeme Swann will be licking his lips at the prospect of bowling at his home ground on a dry surface prepared with him and England's ability to generate reverse swing in mind. James Anderson's skill and control of a swinging ball will surely provide the toughest test of technique for an Aussie batting line-up that has been unconvincing in recent times.

England's most destructive batsman Kevin Pietersen returns after missing the New Zealand series and ICC Trophy one day competition through injury. However, much attention will be focused on Joe Root, the impressive young Yorkshire batsman who has been promoted to open with Cook in place of Somerset's Nick Compton. A big test of his so far impeccable temperament and technique.

Australia may ponder over their side a little longer but will give a debut to the 19-year-old spinner Ashton Agar. Their bowling attack though inexperienced on English soil with the exception of the reliable Peter Siddle, ought to be their strength. Genuine pace is offered by the talented but raw James Pattinson and the fast improving Mitchell Starc and Ryan Harris.

Predictions of a 10-0 victory for England across the two series may be wide of the mark, with Australia appearing more bullish under their newly appointed coach Darren Lehman who has replaced the sacked Mickey Arthur. In their captain Michael Clarke, they possess a batsman of world class and if their bowlers live up to their potential, England may yet find themselves on the receiving end of some of their own medicine.

Their batsman will be severely tested in English conditions though. They will have to adapt quickly and find a way to neutralised England's bowling threat, so potent on home soil.

But once the talk, the hype and the nerves settle, England will be confident of their chances of a third (and fourth) Ashes victory on the bounce; their settled, well-drilled side seemingly having the edge over their rather more brittle rivals.