How The Ashes Can Be Won - 1

It is still 85 days away, the number equal to the target England was set to win the first Test in the UK according to the BBC. But I shall start off with a series of ideas which I believe could be of some little help in winning the Ashes. For I would love to see England win the Ashes, wishful thinking though it may be.

The single most important factor that England will have to contend with is not the brilliance of Shane Warne or the accuracy of Glenn McGrath. Nor is it the punishing batting of Ricky Ponting. It is that legend of the game - Adam Gilchrist. Unless England can find a way to control Gilchrist it will be of little importance how much they score or how cheaply they bowl out Australia's top order.

The Target

I suggest the following plan to control Gilchrist. One, he is "somewhat" vulnerable to left-arm spin. Although he can destroy the best on any day, he is likely to fall at times. The Ashley Giles of 2 years ago should have been kept in a safe place away from Gilchrist's bat. But the Ashley Giles of today might just work. Bring Giles on early before Gilchrist settles. Let him go for a few, chances are he might get out.

Two, English bowlers may lack the skills of McGrath and Co., but in Flintoff and (maybe) Harmisson, they have someone who can keep it short at his ribs on a consistent basis. While Giles attacks at one end, one of these should push him on the backfoot at the other. Flintoff would be my best bet. I remember the way he bottled up Sachin Tendulkar by bowling body-line at him. He is the man for the job.

The Attack

Three, and most unlikely, try to find a decent left-arm seamer. He has this tendency to be cramped up and drag balls onto his stumps while facing left-armers going over the wicket. Now, there was this bloke Ryan Sidebottom who came on the scene a few years ago - but he is not what you want. If you can find some talented young left-armer doing a decent job on the county circuit, put him in in my opinion. As it is the 4th seamer's slot is somewhat open after Hoggy, Harmy and Freddie take the first 3. If you can't forget it. Don't get someone just for the heck of it. But if you can nothing like it.

Get Gilchrist and half the battle is won.