wouldn't be overly concerned if I was you . they had to have a downer after world cup win. better against Ireland than versus straya in ashes . what am I saying??

Always struggle with the lesser sides like Ireland and Scotland, but some of the first choice (Root, Bairstow, Ali) have been woeful of late. Don't expect to win back the Ashes or even win many matches too.

Edgbaston - Draw or slim Eng win, Worst ground for Australia
Lords - Aus win, Australia to be too strong
Headingley - Aus Win,  England have the worst record in tests there
Old Trafford - draw, England's best test ground, but Aussies will enjoy the quick pitch
Oval - draw. Flat wicket and maybe a bore.

warner and smith are certs for the test side. now  Bancroft is coming good and pressing hard for a spot.  what a trifecta!!  new uniform- pants with no pockets

Australia could whitewash England in truth. Unlikely, but they have a good chance

False alarm, lads. We're brilliant again.

Paper over the cracks for me, if a lesser bowling attack in International cricket can make our openers and top-order look foolish, then i worry with the Aussies. Root and Bairstow need to pull their fingers out, Ali needs to have a good game at his former ground or i'd drop him definitely for the 2nd test. Only Buttler, Stokes and the bowlers seem to have any confidence with the bat, i'd even have swapped Ali for Leach as at least he is in form with the bat in an england shirt.