THE CRICKETER: ASHES PREDICTIONS

Australia to win 3-2 and Vince to prove the doubters wrong says Huw Turbervill

With the Ashes Test series closing in, we asked our writers for their predictions - from the obvious to the obscure.

Today it's the turn of managing editor Huw Turbervill...

Result: Australia 3-2

Australia to win at Brisbane and Perth and one of the MCG or SCG, England to win the other two. 3-2 to the hosts (alas!).

Leading run-scorer

David Warner. Big-bladed bullishness on flat belters, once Kookaburra ball stops swinging after 10 overs.

Leading wicket-taker

Nathan Lyon. England focus on the Aussie pace attack while Lyon burgles them from the other end.

Overachiever

James Vince. Confounds expectations by averaging 35, fairly stylishly.

Underachiever

Moeen Ali (maybe). Aussies could attack his spin and exploit his languid batting style. I do hope not, though. He is an entertainer.

England’s trump card

Joe Root – difficult to look beyond the Sheffield steeler’s class. Just hope it doesn’t become all too much for him.

Australia’s trump card

Smith/Warner, some big stands potentially there, and Pat Cummins/Mitchell Starc in tandem. Will be exciting to watch.

Water carrier (most likely to tour but see no action)

Tempted to say Ben Foakes, but actually who would you back to score more runs at No.5, Ballance, Dawid Malan… or Foakes (with Jonny Bairstow retaining the gloves at No.6)?

Total dropped catches: 38

Most catches

Alastair Cook - 10.