Some Ashes predictions

Before the Ashes series begins, allow me to run you through some predictions for the forthcoming action.


My main prediction is that Mitchell Johnson will be a colossal pain in the arse all summer long. Too often throughout history have England had Australia seemingly in trouble with six or seven down for not many only to prove singularly unable to winkle those last few out. Johnson's already proved that he's hard to shift and he scores his runs at a decent pace. Don't get him out early and you're in bother. Then there's his bowling...

Crowds will still go wild for Monty, despite his barely knowing which end of the bat to hold and being a liability in the field. We just love a character and he's certainly that, but he's just not that good. He hasn't developed. Sorry Monty, but it's Adil Rashid's turn now.

Top wicket-taker: Stuart Broad. I like this kid. I think he is all that.

Top run scorer: Phil Hughes. The Australian version of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, I just don't see the English attack getting him out cheaply too often, even if Harmison did do him over twice in the Lions game.

England to win. There. I've said it. I think the spin factor will prove decisive. England have a spin factor and Australia don't and that's the major difference between the sides.

And finally, Jimmy Anderson to go the whole series without a duck, continuing his world record run.