If The Ashes Started Tomorrow...My Starting XI

On the eve of the second Test between England and the West Indies, I will look at which 11 players i believe will start the first Ashes test at Cardiff on July 8th.

1. Opening Batsman - Andrew Strauss (C)

"Skipper" will lead from the front this summer and after scoring tons in the 3rd and 5th tests on his way to compiling 393 runs at an average of just over 39. I fully expect him to be one of the leading run scorers in the series.

2. Opening Batsman - Alastair Cook 

Debatable position this one. obviously in a perfect world the name pencilled in would be 'Banger' himself, Marcus Trescothick, but personal problems and stress related illness has led to his retirement from international cricket.

Alternatively I may have been inclined to place former captain Michael Vaughan at two being an experienced opener with both Strauss and Trescothick, however Geoff Miller the chairman of selector has made it quite clear that Vaughan is not part of England's future plans.

That in mind Alastair Cook, providing he can work on his technique as well as the mental aspect of him getting to 30 or 40 and then getting out to loose shots, as well as overcoming the nerves of a first home Ashes series (having had only moderate success during England's 5-0 drubbing at the hands of the Aussies last time round), he has the potential to be very successful.

Number 3 - ?

As many fans of English cricket will know, this position has been under the spotlight in recent times with many players occupying the role and then seemingly relinquishing it to another.

Ian Bell, Owais Shah, Michael Vaughan, and Ravi Bopara have all had chances and it seems Bopara has made it his own. While I like Bell and Shah, they just don't seem to have anything individual to give other than underperformance and cocky arrogance respectively.

Vaughan as previously mentioned is out of favour, so that leaves Bopara. Bopara has all the makings of a great No. 3 batsman and his rugged confidence and joie de vivre makes him and exciting prospect for the England setup. His athleticism in the field and nagging medium pace bowler make him an asset to any team and hopefully he will prove this in July.

Number 4 - Kevin Pietersen

In recent series Pietersen's name would have been considered the first on the team sheet, but a lot has happened over the past 18 months to suggest otherwise. Stanford and his millions, the captaincy, and Peter Moores affair and his off field feuds with near enough everyone, has changed everyone's viewpoint about the man.

However I believe he has been treated poorly and rather than a thorn in the side he should be seen as a jewel in the crown of English cricket. After all wasn't it his brash arrogance and quirky haircut and earring that endeared him to English fans hearts and ultimately made him the enigma he is today.

Although I believe the right captain is in place (albeit by the wrong path) Pietersen has so much to offer and will be influential in England's triumph, or indeed their demise.

Number 5 - Paul Collingwood 

The wise right hander from Durham as gone from England replacement to stalwart of the middle order. His gritty runs when all around him falter combined with his ability to change the pace of an innings rapidly have made him a prized possession to England, almost like Michael Hussey for the Australians.

However Collingwood is far superior to Hussey both in the field (at either slip or backwards point) and with the ball (gentle medium pace that is so hard to score off). A sure start for England.

Number 6 - Andrew Flintoff

Of course this is fully dependant on if he is fit or not, but if indeed he has recovered fully he is the first name on the team sheet. His "teamplayer" ethic as well as his charismatic exuberance, mean he is the go to guy in the England setup, and one that England rarely succeed without.

Perhaps his most shining moment was bowling 14.2 overs unchanged on the fourth day of the final Test in 2005 racking up figures of 4-30, which ultimately gave England the initiative to kick on and salvage a draw and regain the Ashes. I believe England's chances hinge on the performance of this man. 

Number 7 - James Foster (WK)

First controversial choice perhaps and to many, it will be an unjustified risk but in Ashes series when a dropped catch can win or lose a Test match or even a series, you truly need the best gloveman around—that man is Foster.

Fantastic standing up to the stumps at Essex and very positive lower-middle order batsman to boot, he should takeover from Matt Prior, and I believe will truly flourish in the adversities that may face him.

Number 8 - Stuart Broad

The first of England's bowling corp and at only 22 is a most exciting prospect. Whether he can continue to develop and take more hauls of wickets remains to be seen but I believe he will become a truly great all rounder as he is already a very competent batsman averaging a shade under 30, which is fantastic for a bowler.

Promising times await the young man and he has broad enough shoulders (no pun intended) to manage the burden of expectation.

Number 9 - Graeme Swann

Broad's Nottinghamshire team mate and a very intelligent right arm off-spinner and lower order bat. He has taken the role as England's premier spin option and run with it, even putting a halt to Monty Panesar's short but often promising England career at the moment.

Swann provides depth in the batting as well as thoughtful bowling and a good pair of hands in the field.

Number 10 - Steve Harmison

Perhaps the second controversial choice of the team. "The Durham Destroyer" has had a very up and down England career of late, from fantastic performances in the Caribbean 2004 (took 7-12) and hostile spells in the 2005 Ashes series, contrasted with the 2007 Ashes series and "that ball" that ended up going directly to second slip.

That being said, Harmison is by far England's fastest bowler and on form can rip through any attack. That is why I believe he has every chance of making the first Test and proving his doubters wrong.

Number 11 - Graham Onions

Now I'm not one for bandwagons but my, oh, my what a debut. That being said I genuinely believe he has the pace and control to be a thorn in the Australian side. His added experience also helps in his favour and alongside Durham team mates Harmison and Collingwood, will fit nicely into the five-man attack.