5 reasons why England look stronger than Australia for the Ashes

#2 England’s middle order

The middle order has often bailed England out of trouble

England didn’t have the best of winters when they were in Australia the last time out. Despite boasting an experienced batting line-up (consisting of Cook, Trott, Bell, Pietersen, and Prior in the top 7), they flattered to deceive.

Back in 2013-14, the likes of Root, Bairstow and Stokes were newbies at the international arena. But this time around, things look very different. Root has become one of the best batsmen in Tests, Bairstow has matured and shown responsibility and Stokes is a box-office player. Add to that, the ice-cool Alastair Cook at the top who never looks starved of runs.

And England bat really deep. They have the likes of Ali and Woakes, who are genuine all-rounders. Broad and Roland-Jones are handy lower-order bats. So, England's strength lies in their middle and the lower middle-order, with game-changing players.