Time to stick your neck out

Okay - it's time. Jagadish has been into me to make a call, and fair enough too. My attitude has changed a lot over the past few months. 6 Months ago, I thought England would retain the Ashes...now, I don't.

My tip - Australia 3 - 1. But this result will be more thrilling than that scoreline sounds. Australia to win in Brisbane, then Perth. (2 nil up). From there England fight back with a draw and a win out of Adelaide and Melbourne (not sure on the combination). So a 2 - 1 scoreline going into Sydney, means the Ashes are still up for grabs - 2 ALL, means England retain. Enter SCG (both by name and nature)MacGill and Australia take the 3rd Test and the Ashes.

Now there are some qualifications - Mssrs Pietersen, Flintoff and Harmison have the ability to change everything, right off the bat. If Harmison makes a big impact early in Brisbane or Perth, of FLintoff/Pietersen play one of those innings, the above scenario is out the window. For once, it is Ausstralia's opposition that has the wild cards - Australia's performance will be predicatbly quite good. One of the stars will do enough to win those matches, but the real work will be done, in stopping England's counter attack. The bowling line up is performing better than last time around, which is why I feel inclined to go for the scoreline I have. McGrath will need to be on song for at least 3 and half of the matches. Lee firey and of course Warne, well he needs to be Warney - perhaps another scandle before the first test, just to get things really set up ;-)

There you go, I've stuck my neck out, 3 - 1. (Either this will come back to haunt me big time, or I'll claim bragging rights in a few months.)

Labels: ashes, ashes 2006