The last time the one day series after Ashes was haplessly one sided, Australia crushed England 6-1 with the host winning only the last game to save some pride. Back then in 2009, the series held little value and England were still rejoicing after winning The Ashes. This time around things are largely different, because World Cup is taking place next month and one day games have become vital for every time. You can expect the series to be fiercely competitive. The first of the seven ODIs takes place at MCG on Sunday under lights.

Australia leveled the T20 series at one a piece, so they would be feeling slightly better after losing The Ashes 3-1. Reasonable performance in T20 series however doesn't mean that the team has no problems when it comes to consistency. Mitchell Johnson was impressive in the T20s but Shaun Tait and Brett Lee couldn't deliver what was expected of them. Lack of quality spinner in Australian team has also played a role in imbalanced bowling performances.

The match at MCG on January 16 will be stern Test of Australian bowlers who would look to throw everything since World Cup slots will depend on this outing. Batting is similar story; apart from Shane Watson no Australian batsman has been steady in all forms of the game. Australia have not won any series in any format since March 2009 and if they are to gain momentum for the World Cup it has to happen now, starting from the game on Sunday.

Australia have won two and lost three of their last five ODIs.

England have vengeance on their minds, last time around in the Ashes following ODI series they were thrashed. In fact that was the last time England lost a series in 2009, since then England have not lost a one day series. England in the ODI format also, look a far more composed unit than Australia. Balance between batting and bowling is commendable.

There are many young Englishmen such as Chris Woakes and Michael Lumb, who want to make it to the World Cup next month, for this reason we can expect a spirited fight from young guns. Graeme Swann would face tough conditions at MCG but if England bowl under lights it could turn into an advantage. English seamers Ajmal Shahzad, Chris Woakes and Tim Bresnan were impressive in the T20s; let's see if they can carry the momentum into the ODIs. Andrew Strauss will return to lead the team from the front.

England have won three and lost two of their last five ODIs.

Tag :- Ajmal Shahzad   Australia   Brett Lee   England   Graeme Swann   Shane Watson