Ashes Predictions

Following Q’s lead on the contest by Commentary Position, here are my predictions for the Ashes. (I know I am cheating a bit since it is the 3rd day of the first Test, but better late than never). By the way, most of the following is HOPE, *not* really analysis or predictions.

Most Runs Overall: Phillip Hughes – He had the most to prove and he is extremely talented. Plus, he has the greatest opportunity being an opener.

Most Runs England: Kevin Pietersen – Probably will try to make amends for his stupid shot in the rest of the series.

Most Runs Australia: Phillip Hughes

Most Wickets Overall: Jimmy Anderson – Maybe this is a bit surprising, but I think he has a greater chance to gain more wickets among the weak England attack than somebody from the Australian side. It is an indication of how poor the English bowling is than how better Anderson is.

Most Wickets England: Jimmy Anderson

Most Wickets Australia: Mitchell Johnson – seems to be the universal choice, but I think Siddle is a strong second.

Best Tosser (captain who wins the most tosses):  Ricky Ponting – Your guess is as good as mine.

Man of the Series:  Phillip Hughes – This could be Mitchell Johnson if he does some stuff with the bat, but the South African tour was definitely inconsistent with Johnson’s previous record, so I doubt how much he can replicate his success there. And if the English bowling continues to be trash, he may not get to do much with the bat.

1st Test Result: Draw (at this stage, Australia will probably run out of time with rain unless England collapse in a heap)

2nd Test Result:  Australia (it is a Lord’s Test)

3rd Test Result: Draw

4th Test Result: Australia

5th Test Result: England

Overall series result:  2-1

THE TRIVIALITIES

Number of Tests that lose overs to rain (note, not bad light): 3 (Definitely cheating here since there is one confirmed so far, so 2 more seems to be the safe bet)

Number of Tests that Flintoff will be able to manage: 5 (Injuries are unpredictable, but let’s go with 5)

Number of Tests won by an innings: Zero (though the current Test is definitely a candidate if rain doesn’t kill the Test)

Number of Tests played by McDonald: 1 (if the last Test is a dead rubber, he will definitely play)

Number of Tests played by Lee: 1 (If Australia win the 2nd Test, there will not be any changes to the lineup unless one of the three fast bowlers is really having a bad time. Depends on Ponting though.)