England Will Still Win The Ashes

And so the Ashes take yet another turn.

After an utterly dominant display by Australia in the Third Test at the Waca, England is once again facing an uphill battle in their quest to retain the Ashes.

It was England's batting that let them down in Perth; however the state of their bowling attack will most certainly be giving Strauss food for thought in the build-up to the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Speaking in the aftermath of a series-levelling defeat, Strauss has stated that there will be no `knee-jerk reactions` to squad selection following the loss, but did also hint that changes were likely on the cards.

An impressive return to Test cricket for Chris Tremlett will most certainly ensure his place in the Boxing Day humdinger; however a mediocre performance from Steven Finn could see him rested.

Swann struggled on the Waca strip; however he will find things a lot easier in Melbourne.

Given how integral Swann has been to England's recent rise in form, it is inconceivable that he will be kept this quiet throughout the remainder of the series.

England needs to reassess the use of Paul Collingwood in the line up. Collingwood average on tour is just over 15, with Eoin Morgan is certainly looking the more enticing batting option at present.

This was summed up by Andrew Strauss who stated: "Sometimes he will be very effective, sometimes less so. The great thing about him as a bowler is that he's proved over the last two years that he's going to be a threat more times than not.``

Barring Ponting’s finger injury, Australia will look maintain its squad, and newly-found high standards, after its breakthrough victory ended a five-Test winless streak.

Australia’s batting still struggled somewhat, however their pace attack finally came right and will be looking to ensure that momentum is maintained next up.

The hosts were the target of severe criticism after their performances in the first two Ashes Tests, and will be looking to hurt England leading into the Fourth test.

In an interview regarding the media backlash after the first two tests Ponting stated: "Yes, it has been pretty harsh, but you expect that when you're not performing the way people want you to perform.”

With all said and done, the Waca has always been a bogey ground for England.

The visitors will have to regroup immediately to ensure that their hopes of an away Ashes win don’t disintegrate in the next Test.

This England squad is class, and one would still feel that at the very least they are capable of retaining the urn. A win in the next Test will ensure this, however a dominant 3-1 win will always be the preferred option.

England will still win this series. Their squad is class and it needs to ensure that it does not succumb to lack of belief that has plagued so many England squads before them.

The odds have now shifted in the home side’s favour, with England only slightly behind from the bookies perspective.

A series result is being seen as the likely scenario, with a draw currently the longest on the odds stakes.

Prediction: 3-1 to England