AUSTRALIA VS. ENGLAND- CAN ENGLAND RECLAIM THE ASHES?

With only two weeks to go before England’s cricket team depart, looking to reclaim potentially the most important Ashes series in close to three decades, Adam Currie takes a look at why England can finally reclaim the coveted urn.
The reason for the importance of this year's series over past series' is simple- this England team actually has the potential to win.
Following on from the disaster that was the 2007 Ashes tour to Australia, England have recuperated and rebuilt to a stage whereby they are genuine contenders to bring back the Ashes after a 24 year wait.
So what makes this touring squad any different to past teams when travelling down under?
 Many suggest that the combination of a meticulate coach in Andy Flower, coupled with a stable and 'lead from the front' work ethic of current England captain Andrew Strauss, has a lot to do with it.
As reported by ESPN's Cricinfo, Graham Gooch stated; "Both men are very fair with the players, very balanced, and they can both communicate with the players"
The timing of this series could also not be better from an English perspective, with Australia recently having suffered a 2-0 defeat against India- although this was a series away in the subcontinent, and not the home battleground at which they historically dominate.
Looking ahead to the series, Australian legend Shane Warne conceded that Australia would be more vulnerable on home soil than they have been in a generation, however also predicted a 2-1 Australian winning scoreline, based largely upon the strength of their formidable home record.
All in all, England take a stable unit with them down under, that have played a lot of cricket together. Of the bowling attack that suffered a humiliating 5-0 whitewash three years ago, only Jimmy Anderson survives- something that cricket pundits believe will be a positive on the psyche of a bowling line-up looking to turn one over on the old foe.
Stuart Broad- a lead figure in the England pace attack recently explained to The Wisden Cricketer magazine, that although spin-king Graeme Swann had been identified as a potential match-winner, England's seamers may hold the key to a successful Ashes campaign.
This could very well prove to be spot on, with England harbouring fine seamers in the mould of Broad, Anderson, Tredwell and newcomer Steven Finn.
England’s batting line-up is also looking stronger than it has in the past 5 years with Strauss and Alistair Cook leading up front, with the batting making its way all the way down to number 9- it has been a long time since England could boast this sort of talent
While there might be those that see this series as being another 'here we go again' fiasco, the truth remains that if England were to ever win an Ashes away- now is the time.
They harbour by far the most depth in the batting department, a decent pace attack in pace friendly conditions, and are up against a side that is struggling with from and confidence...England can win this...and will
Prediction: England to win 3-1