The Sri Lanka series feels like it was years ago. Seems harsh to leave Kurtis Patterson out, given he must average about 200 in tests, but for once it seems we have a number of batsmen in form.
I question the selection of Bancroft. For some reason the commentary about him is a bit misty-eyed, and forgets the fact that he was never really that good. Marcus Harris has shown just as much form as Bancroft ever did, and has done well for Australia A.
Mitch Starc was off the boil over summer, and his form tailed off over the course of the World Cup. He's a class bowler and I think he will feature in the series, but I'm OK with Pattinson getting a shot in the first test.
I'm really uncertain as to how the series plays out. England should be strong favourites, but they don't on paper look like the classy, settled lineup they have been in years passed. Their batting line-up looks particularly flimsy, and their performance against Ireland was worrying.
But you once again come back to our perennial struggles batting against the moving ball, and how we will consistently put up scores on green decks.
My prediction is England 3-1, with most of the games decided within four days.
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