Introduction

The Ashes has always been big, but now in the modern age. England have taken some fearful poundings down there with the Kukaburah ball and under that unrelenting sun. But here in England, where it's been a little bit different with the dukes ball and a more forgiving surface, England have been very hard to beat here. This is a very, very good Australian side. Can they carry on this no fear cricket in an environment where everyone around the country cares deeply about the result? Can they? I'll tell you in about two months time, I think they will. They'll give it a go. And everyone will focus in on what I've just talked