How The Ashes Can Be Won - 2

One of England's weakest points in the Ashes is likely to be the crucial #3 spot. While Australia have Ricky Ponting there, one of the best in business, England have had in the recent past Robert Key - no comparison despite what Lords 2004 may have to say. Mark Butcher had made this spot his own since the last Ashes and had done quite well particularly against Australia, but his status is somwehat unclear after a series of injuries. Even if fully fit, I'm not convinced it is the best choice. The best player in the team more often than not has to bat at that spot - see Ponting, Dravid - and see how the teams of Lara and Kallis suffer - they don't bat at 3 - I would love to see Michael Vaughan coming in at 3 - he is such a gorgeously talented player - and I think batting at 3 would help him to regain the form of 2002. That would put Thorpe in at 4 and Flintoff at 5 and I would go for Bell at 6 - he seems an impressive bloke - just scored a 200 today against Middlesex and someone you would like to invest in. Even if Butcher is fit to play, I would play Vaughan at 3, Butcher at 4 maybe. As for the likes of Pietersen, I would suggest waiting a little bit longer.