2017-18 Ashes: English Players to Watch
The biggest change between the England side touring in 2017 and the ones that toured prior to 2010 was the change of attitude. The old England teams feared playing Australia in their own backyard and that showed on the field. But, ever since they mastered the old enemy in 2010-11, England look a confident team on their tours to Australia. Notwithstanding their 5-0 drubbing down under in 2013-14, England will have high hopes of retaining the urn. Who are the important players that can help them do that? Spoiler alert – we are not including Ben Stokes although he looks set to play at least three Tests and may be win one or two on his own!
Joe Root
We start with the obvious – their Ashes debutant captain. Root is not just the best batsman for England, he is one of the best batsmen of contemporary Test cricket. Watching him play is a treat, even for the Aussie fans, and his runs will be crucial for England’s success as his average of 53 in 60 Tests suggests.
Not just that, Root is vital as leader of the pack. Though he led them admirably against South Africa and West Indies, Australia is a different fish altogether and it is a real test of his character.
The last time Root toured Australia, his form was so bad that England dropped him for the final Test. A score to settle? Certainly!
TIP: Root Top England batsman – $2.62 at bet365
James Anderson
He might be 35-years-old and playing probably his final Ashes series down under, but Anderson is still a handful with the red cherry. His 20 wickets in 4 Tests against South Africa followed by 19 in 3 against West Indies indicate that the fire in his belly is intact and that he’s all set to master the Aussie batsman.
Anderson also has a score to settle in Australia as his average (38.44) here is not up to his usual mark. The Kookaburra ball may not swing as much as the Dukes, but the wily old seamer has improved a lot over the years and is a handful even when it’s not swinging.
TIP: Anderson Top England bowler – $3 at William Hill
Mark Stoneman
How about a rookie in this list? Stoneman made his debut for England against the West Indies earlier this year and scored a fifty in the Leeds Test. Though he is yet to convince the critics of his worth at the top, something about his composure tells that he could be a success at the top.
Stoneman’s form in the lead up to the first Test is impressive as the opener has scored 4 50+ scores each time he went out to bat. A confident start at the top of the order is going to be crucial for England to have any hopes of toppling the Aussies and Stoneman could be their guy!
TIP: Stoneman series runs over 300.5 – 1.83 at Ladbrokes
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