Could only really have been worse for England if Root was involved instead of Hales, what disastrous timing. Hope it gets settled quickly but this is looking very worrying.
Anyway, I don't personally feel like we're heading for another whitewash but its certainly going to be an uphill struggle. Both teams have similar strengths and weaknesses, potent bowling attacks but an over-reliance on too few batsman. Their attack is nowhere near as hostile as it was in 13-14 but its still pretty fierce. If fit and firing Starc and Cummins are obviously sharp but I rate Hazlewood quite highly. Anyone remember Stuart Clark from the 2006-07 series? Reminds me of him, not express pace but good line and length. Was the leading wicket taker in that series too. Most of the other guys seem to be players we've seen in previous ashes series that have drifted in and out of the team, guys like Khawaja, Wade and Maxwell.
As for us, Joe Root never seems to not score runs anymore but so much will depend on Cook. His average against Australia is 39 (career 46) but that's boosted by the 127 he averaged in 2010-11 when Hilfenhaus and Beer were chucking pies and Mitchell Johnson was bowling left, right and shite. Needs a good series especially if we're going to be a senior batsman short in Stokes. Really hope Bairstow comes good this winter though, he's got a good technique and a shift up the order I think will be good for him. Give him some responsibility with the bat and I doubt he'll let you down, same goes for Moeen, they've got the ability to bat higher up the order than they are now.
With the bowling attack Broad with most likely be more useful than Jimmy. He was one of the few to come out of the last tour with any credit. If Stokes doesn't play really opens up a can of worms about the balance of the team. Do you bring in another batsman or bowler? Not sure what Overton brings in that Plunkett doesn't.
