Gabba will play host to opener of the greatest rivalry in cricket: The Ashes. England and Australia are the founding nations of cricket and this competition dates back to the 18th century. Ashes are played in fighting spirit with national pride at stake. England currently hold the Ashes, winning 2-1 in 2009, but this time it's not played on their home soil. Last time they came here for Ashes and were thrashed 5-0 by hosts Australia.

Australia are clearly on a downward slope, having not won anything since defeating New Zealand in Tests in February. That was a long time ago. England, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka have had better of them since. There are out of form players, there is inconsistent team selection along with captaincy troubles. Even the future Australian stars (Australia A) are getting a good thrashing from England in a warm up game. The trouble with Australia is lack of a quality spinner in side and sloppy form of Mitchell Johnson - their once spearhead. Australia would go to Gabba with a solid batting line up under the questioned leadership of Ricky Ponting.

Michael Hussey and Marcus North in the middle order would be under immense pressure to hold their spots. It is still unclear but likely that Michael Clarke will play on 25th November. One way of looking at this Ashes is that it could bring back the Australia we have known for decades; the fighting, fierce and World Champion Australia or it could mark end of an embattled supremacy just like 90s sank West Indies.

Australia have won two of their five Tests, with losing three on the trot before Ashes

England have shown calmness and composure while Australians are in a disarray. The balance of English side as compared to Australia is better. The batting did struggle against Pakistan but it has still done better than Australia's. England's Ashes winning players would know that it can be a different ball game at Gabba than playing at Lord's. Gabba is a pacy track but the sun would be out and it would certainly carry bounce but no swing for English seamers. England's trump card of course would be the off spinner Graeme Swann. Alistair Cook, despite good showing in arm up games and Kevin Pietersen would be perhaps under more pressure. The captain Andrew Strauss has been in spectacular form all year in both ODI and Tests. While Australian management were criticized for naming 17 man squad 10 days before Ashes, Englishmen have been complimented on making a foresighted decision of sending their James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Steven Finn and Graeme Swann early to Brisbane. England seem to preparing well for a series which can turn out to be the "Test" of their lives.

England have won four of their last five Test matches.

Tag :- Australia   England   Graeme Swann   Michael Clarke   Mitchell Johnson   The Ashes