England favourites to retain Ashes, claims Smith – Cricket News Update
After fending off England and Australia in back-to-back series to defend the ICC Test mace, South African skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GC-Smith-c1473, has backed the former to retain the coveted crown when they battle the latter in next year’s Ashes.
The Proteas capped off an impressive year by overcoming a stern Aussie contingent by a 1-0 margin in the three-match Test series. After drawing the opening two affairs at Brisbane and Adelaide respectively, the tourists displayed all-round prowess to take the Perth contest by a whopping 309 runs.
That victory stabilizes their position and gives them breathing space at the top of the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978’s leadership - means that they stay third, behind England, with a rating of 114.
A lot will also depend on the ongoing four-match series between England and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, which starts on December 14.
However, the big series next year will see the Aussies travelling to England in a bid to reclaim the Ashes, which have eluded them over the past two occasions. The Poms defeated their old-rivals in 2009 at home, before inflicting a consequential blow in 2010 Down Under.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 is in a better place to defend the crown due to their superior home advantage.
"It's obviously a very careful line to tread here in Australia and I've been asked this question a few times lately," Smith said.
"I think the challenge for Australia is going to be winning in England. They (England) do play well in their own conditions. They know how to win there.
"Being able to adapt and play well in England is going to be the chall- enge. They have the players. Home series for England … I would have to say they would be favourites because it is in England."
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