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England's challenge Aussies will be hard to beat in Ashes series
The omens aren't good for England's cricket team as it looks to win the Ashes for the first time since 1987. After their impressive first test victory over Pakistan, their frailties were exposed as the tourists came back to take the second test in Manchester in emphatic style. And then they made a losing start to the triangular one-day series. England's biggest problems are a shaky batting lineup, a long "tail" and the lack of a world-class spinner. But beyond that, Australia holds the psychological edge after winning the last six Ashes series over the past 12 years. Make no mistake, England has made strides under Nasser Hussain, who should be back from injury to lead the home side this northern summer. His team has found ways to win tight test matches, winning four successive series before sharing the honors with the Pakistanis this season. The English have a potent fast-bowling attack led by Darren Gough and Andy Caddick and have unearthed a world-class opening batsman in Marcus Trescothick. But Steve Waugh's Australians are such a competitive and clinical bunch, fueled by a strong belief that they have the measure of their old rivals. England may have had a better chance of winning the five-test series if Australia had beaten India on its tour earlier this year. Their 2-1 test series defeat makes the Aussies extra hungry for success in Britain. And with so many Australians having experience in the County Championship, the English no longer have a significant advantage of being more familiar with local conditions. Even veteran leg-spinner Shane Warne, who struggled on the Indian tour, is showing signs that he will be a handful in the test series. By playing out of their skins and with a little luck, the English could well push the world champions to the limit. The weather will play a part. If Australia finds itself batting first under overcast skies on a seaming wicket at grounds like Headingley, its batsmen could struggle to handle the English seamers. It will favor Australia if the summer is warm and sunny so its batsmen can put pressure on England with some massive totals. My prediction is Australia to win the series 3-1, with one drawn test. Jason Dasey is co-host of World Sport, the international sports show that airs live on CNN/Sports Illustrated and CNN International.
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