The Ashes - England Squad

Over the past few years, India-Australia series have provided a lot of excitement. But, well, there is nothing as exciting as the mother of all battles, The Ashes. No matter how good England have been over the years, there is nothing as great as beating the poms for the Aussies.

So, lets have a look at the England Squad:

Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior, Steve Davies, Stuart Broad, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Steven Finn, Chris Tremlett, Monty Panesar

Currently, the England and Australian squads are equally good with England having a better spin department. England batting line-up has greater stability than before. They have a bunch battle-hardened fellows in their squads who won't be picked apart by the Aussies like how the likes of Bopara and Ian Bell have got previously.

In Collingwood and Trot,t they have two very good grafters who will provide the strength in their bating line-up. Also, the form of Kevin Pietersen will be the key if England are to win the Ashes.

England's bowling department looks wewll balanced. James Anderson will be facing the test of his life. He has bowled amazingly well in English conditions. But, now as the leader of the pace attack he has to prove that he can bowl equally well outside England too. Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann have been great contributors to England's recent success. While, Broad has matured well into a consistent fast bowler capable of picking crucial wickets, Graeme Swann is arguably one the best finger spinners in world cricket. He spins the ball a long way and has been a great wicket-taker. England have backed up themselves well with Steven Finn, Tim Bresnan, Chris Tremlett and Monty Panesar.

It will be interesting to note who gets picked as the third fast bowler. Young English bowlers have had the tendency to wilt under the Ashes pressure. Will England stick with Steven Finn or pick some one more experienced like Tim Bresnan.?