England vs Australia, The Ashes: 3 things to eagerly look forward to

Can the World Cup stars convert their ODI form into success in whites?

Can Mitchell Starc and David Warner carry their WC form into the Ashes?

Such is the nature of the modern game that there is hardly enough time to settle down after a long, exhaustive tournament. That is what is happening to World Champions England and semi-finalists Australia who will lock horns in a very significant Test series barely a few weeks after the World Cup.

It’s a challenge which the modern-day cricketer must adapt to and quickly if they play across formats. So, the exciting aspect to look forward to now is can the same players who excelled in the World Cup carry that momentum and success in whites once the Ashes starts?

David Warner amassed 647 runs in ten matched an imperious average of 71.89 with a highest score of 166, Joe Root scored 552 runs and Jonny Bairstow 532 runs. Ben Stokes had an outstanding tournament overall by scoring 465 runs including those crucial 85 runs in the finals that helped England win the World Cup.

Mitchell Starc had a fantastic tournament by becoming the leading wicket-taker (27). Jofra Archer (20 wickets) and Chris Woakes(11 wickets) also impressed one and all. The question is can they have the same impact when they are operating with the red duke ball?

How fresh and energetic can the World Cup stars be as they head into such a high intensity, gruelling series? Clearly, it’s going to be the battle of the fittest once the series starts on August 1st, 2019.