All this talk about an Aussie whitewash maybe too early…especially if you take a look at the forecast for this week’s test at Old Trafford, Manchester.
With rain forecast throughout the test match, England will have to make the most of their playing time to bowl the Aussies out twice but by judging the quality of two previous batting displays by Australia, that shouldn’t be too difficult.
The Old Trafford pitch has prompted England to name a 14-man squad with James Taylor, Chris Tremlett and Monty Panesar coming in to back up the usual 11.
So of course, if the pitch looks like it may spin, Panesar could be brought into the 11.
The inclusion of James Taylor is to cover Kevin Pietersen who has recently been struggling with a calf strain but following intense treatment and a vigorous fitness test, it looks like he may start this morning.
So with England look increasingly formidable, what do the Aussies have in-store to try and wrestle some momentum back in this series?
Well, David Warner has been recalled to add some bite to a weak Australian top order.
David Warner had been left out of the first two tests as a possible punishment for punching Joe Root in the bar during the Champions Trophy.
But the horrendous Aussie batting displays has forced the selectors to recall him.
The batsmen need to play up but Australia’s task is made even harder by the injury to fast bowler James Pattinson, which has ruled him out of the entire series. That leaves an awful amount of responsibility to Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle to take English wickets.
The form of Ian Bell and Joe Root secured the victories at Trent Bridge and Lords and with the likes of Cook, Pietersen and Trott yet to make a big contribution, the Aussies must surely be quaking with fear.
England are enormous favourites to rap up the series and even a draw would ensure England retain the Ashes but, weather permitting, England will be looking to twist the knife and win at Old Trafford.