The 'X-Men' Of The Ashes
The next seven weeks of Ashes will make or break several careers. While testing their skill and stamina, these men are expected to give fans unbridled joy through some great cricketing action and theatrics.
They call it the ultimate Test of their lives. The next seven weeks of Ashes will make or break several careers. While testing their skill and stamina, these men are expected to give fans unbridled joy through some great cricketing action and theatrics. (Lehmann's Nous Gives Australia Ashes Edge)
Steve Smith
© AFP
Australia's Vice Captain Steve Smith is the numro uno Test batsman in the World right now and has scored five centuries in his last six Tests. His average of 131 reflects his insatiable appetite for runs. Every English bowler will target Smith, who could well be the X-factor in the Aussie middle order as the visitors aim to win their first Ashes title on English soil in 14 years. (Ashes 2015: Four Key Australia Players)
Adil Rashid
He is an English who will look to sting the Aussie tail. Adil Rashid could well be England's x-factor in this edition of the Ashes. After an impressive one day series vs the Kiwis, where he took eight wickets in five matches, the leg spinner has got a ticket for the Ashes. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has said that Rashid might be the difference when it comes to getting rid of the tail as no tail-ender likes facing him. (Steve Smith can be a One-Man Demolition Squad)
Mitchell And Mitchell
Australia's M&M factors- Johnson and Starc could very well still the scale in favour of the Kangaroos. Merv Hughes has suggested that Mitchell Johnson needs to regrow his moustache ahead of the Ashes, because it could be a good luck charm. Johnson's facial hair was the talk of the town when he took 37 wickets during the series that saw the Baggy Greens blank England 5-0 in the last Ashes. While Johnson will look to rock the English top order, Starc could be very useful in cleaning out the tail. The Man of the Tournament of the 2015 ICC World Cup took 10 wickets in Australia's recent 2-0 series win over West Indies. (Injury Forces Ryan Harris to Retire)
David Warner
Australia's David Warner was the England's tormentor in chief when the two sides met in the last Ashes. The threat of suspension hangs on him after a fiery summer campaign against India. But he has told the Aussie media if the ICC goes overboard with its crackdown on on-field behaviour, that will take away from the game. Whether it is his talking or batting, Warner is sure to grab the news headlines.
James Anderson
For England's James Anderson this could be the last Ashes. Glenn McGrath has said that England's Ashes chances will rest on Anderson's ability to swing the ball. In a sensational U-turn, Anderson, who is known for his verbal duels with the opposition has asked both teams to ditch sledging. The 32 year old fast bowler feels Australia might be a good side but England's progress in recent weeks could help them pull off a surprise or two.