5 areas that Australia needs to work on
The Ashes is usually a high-voltage encounter, and Australia will play in familiar conditions when it takes on its old foe England later on this year. Fans will remember that England was thrashed 5-0 the last time it toured Australia.
On paper, both sides look equally strong, with a mix of experienced and inexperienced players in their batting lineups, and well-established bowling lineups.
Going by its recent performance in Tests, there are certain areas where Australia needs to improve before the Ashes.
#5 Filling the wicket-keeper's slot
Peter Nevill was dropped from the Test team and replaced with Matthew Wade as wicketkeeper in all formats.
Mainly picked because his batting skills are better than Nevill's, Wade is yet to deliver. Wade has played 10 Tests since his instatement as wicketkeeper, and averages a shabby 21.09.
Australia needs a player who provides stability behind the stumps and can contribute alongside the lower order batsmen.
The team might need to consider bringing back Nevill or picking an uncapped player for the wicketkeeper role. Heading into a series as important as the Ashes, this is a tough decision for Australia to make.