I think it will be very hard to leave Scott Boland out. He got the big wickets in the second innings of the World Test Championship final just when we needed them. We all know how good Josh Hazlewood can be,but the fact that Josh has only played four Tests in two years doesn’t help his case.

There’s no doubt that he will play in this series. But will he play back-to-back Tests? Probably not. It wouldn’t surprise me if Australia picked Boland and stuck with the same team that won at The Oval. Then see where they are going at the Lord’s and maybe play Josh in the second Test.

England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach will challenge the Australians and ask questions of Pat Cummins as captain. There’ll be times when he’ll be under pressure. There’ll be times when the track is flat and the bowlers are a bit tired and someone will get away.

That’s when his captaincy will be tested the greatest. To maintain that balance between defending runs,but also picking up wickets because there’s no doubt England’s batting,and our bowling,that combination will lead to chances in the field.

So,Australia have to hang on to them,as they did in the second innings against India. Kohli’s dismissal is a great example,but also they’ve got to have the blokes in position to do that.

Having 10 men on the boundary won’t do it. You’ve got to be able to somehow keep the runs down,but at the same time,keep the pressure on and have catching men ready for the opportunity.

Watch every ball of the 2023 Ashes series live and exclusive on Channel 9 and 9Now

Sports news,results and expert commentary.Sign up for our Sport newsletter.