Ashes: Predictions

Date released: 13 July 2009

With four days to go we countdown to the the Ashes Test at Lord's with a great story each day for ten days. Today: key figures make their match & Series predictions.

We've canvassed the opinions of MCC President and former England Test player Derek Underwood; former Australia Test player and MCC World Cricket Committee Member Tony Dodemaide; this year's MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecturer and Ashes-winner Adam Gilchrist as well as England spinner Graeme Swann.

Derek Underwood
MCC President

Series prediction: England to win a closely fought series 2-0 or 2-1.

Until now I have thought our bowling attack would struggle to take 20 wickets but with the emergence of Onions and Bresnan I am more optimistic. I still think Monty [Panesar] could win us a Test Match.

I feel quite positive about our batting line-up and perhaps with Flintoff playing a part England will hopefully play in a more confident way.

Ashes Test at Lord's: An England win at last, I hope.

I will not say how long it is since England won a Test Match against Australia at Lord's! To say we are due is an over statement.

Teams visiting England seem to play better at Lord's than anywhere else, probably because of history and it having been the Mecca of World Cricket in the past. Everybody wants to do well at Lord's.

I will back England this time as Lord's is not the easiest place to bowl and adjusting to the slope can cause problems for bowlers. I would guess that Australia will be desperate for Brett Lee to be fit for this Test.

Tony Dodemaide
Former Australia Test player

Series prediction: 3-2 to Australia, with the series decided in the last hour of the fifth day at the Oval!

Both squads are very evenly matched. Hopefully the will of both teams to play positively and take this opportunity will give Test cricket another great boost - as per 2005.

Ashes Test at Lord's: Australia to win (sorry!)

Visiting teams - and Australia particularly - just love coming to Lord’s and performing well. Players may only get one chance in their lifetime to register a mention on those famous Honours Boards!

Adam Gilchrist
Former Australia Test player

Series prediction: 2-1 but I'm not sure who to!

I've got to go for Australia. I belive they can win but equally, I believe England can win. There is no stand-out favourite.

Ashes Test at Lord's: I think the whole Series will be close. I'd like to see Australia keep a spinner in - a full-time one. Obviously that's Hauritz.

Graeme Swann
Current England Test player

Series prediction: As a player, an England player and a very superstitious one I feel I can't say anything - I'll jinx it!

Ashes Test at Lord's: Obviously I believe England can win - I don't think I'd be worth picking if I didn't believe that.