In Cook and Strauss we have a pair of openers as good, if not better, than Katich and Hughes, the Aussie attack can’t possibly match the one that contained McGrath and Warne.

Sadly Flintoff is a pale shadow of the warrior who terrified the baggy green caps in his prime – and is a gamble – but the withdrawal of Brett Lee can hardly have helped their cause.

I reckon a key man could be Matt Prior.

He’s worked hard at his keeping and can be a devastating No 7, if not quite in Gilchrist’s league.

His runs in the middle order could be pivotal, just as Brad Haddin’s contributions with the bat will be crucial for Australia.

A fascinating series is at hand, let’s hope it gets the recognition it deserves from the press corps.