England favourites to retain Ashes, claims Smith ? Cricket News ...

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, Graeme Smith, 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 ICC rankings. The series defeat for the Aussies ? their first under Michael Clarke?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 India, which is currently locked at one a piece. Australia, meanwhile, begin their preparation for the three-Test series against Sri Lanka, 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.

Australia will further have to do without Ricky Ponting, who retired from international cricket following the conclusion of the WACA Test. While they have the talent to replace him, with the likes of Usman Khawaja and Phillip Hughes in the reckoning, Smith still feels that England 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."

?

Source: http://blogs.bettor.com/England-favourites-to-retain-Ashes,-claims-Smith-Cricket-News-Update-a205589

tony robbins abraham lincoln vampire hunter their eyes were watching god lara logan manu ginobili sports illustrated swimsuit 2012 aretha franklin whitney houston