Who will win the Ashes?

All the momentum is with England ahead of the momentous Ashes series Down Under. Australia are in a barren spell, having been defeated seven matches in a row in all formats of the game. This is in contrast to England, who beat Pakistan and Bangladesh in both Test matches and ODI's in the summer, plus England won the ICC World Twenty20 in May, ironically beating the Aussies in the final. So as things stand, England are in a great position to win the Ashes Down Under for the first time since their 2-1 victory in 1986/87.

Despite Australia being on a barren run, they are nevertheless a formidable side to play in their own backyard. The atmosphere and the stadiums are vastly different to what England players are used to when they play for their counties. If the England players get intimidated and let the Aussie crowd get to their heads, I don't see the Three Lions winning. Also, England shouldn't get complacent, because Australia still have some world-class players who could hurt England's chances like Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke, so I wouldn't get the champagne out just yet.

But, overall England are simply a better side than Australia. We have more match winners in our ranks and a bowling attack that has the ability to take the necessary 20 wickets, something I feel that the Aussies will struggle with. This means that if England play to their very highest levels then they will win easily. This Australian team has lost its aura since legends like Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne retired. They have struggled so badly since 2007 that Australia are now fifth in the ICC Test rankings, their lowest position ever.

For once, I genuinely believe that England will retain the Ashes and win comfortably. This is without doubt the best chance England have had in winning the Ashes in Australia since 1986/87.

My prediction. 3-1 to the Three Lions.