The Ashes preview

England hopes of a repeat of their memorable 2005 home victory were given a boost after Australian strike bowler Brett Lee was ruled out of the opening Test at Sophia Gardens.

Lee, who has 310 wickets in 76 Test appearances, picked up a rib injury in the warm-up match against England Lions.

His absence means the Australian attack is being spearheaded by Ashes unknowns Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson, although Johnson impressed in the recent series victory in South Africa.

England's build-up has been dominated by the selection of two spinners, Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar, and the non-selection of Steve Harmison.

While Harmison's exclusion is perhaps understandable, England could be putting too much emphasis on the use of the spinners.

However, England can take heart from Australia's patchy form while on tour so far with draws recorded against Sussex and England Lions.

England could also only draw their warm-up match against Warwickshire but they were well on top when proceedings were called to a halt.

Reassuringly, Alastair Cook, Ravi Bopara, Andrew Strauss, Paul Collingwood and Matt Prior all made a half-century in one of the two innings against the Bears.

But, looking at their most recent series, England remain horridly inconsistent - losing 1-0 away to the West Indies over the winter before hammering the same opposition in both Tests back at home.

Not that Australia have been their usual selves. The retirements of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist would seem to have reduced the threat of their bowling attack.

Last November, the Aussies lost their first Test series since the 2005 Ashes when they were beaten in India 2-0.

It was followed by another Test series defeat - 2-1 at home against South Africa.

But Ricky Ponting's men regrouped and beat South Africa in the return series by the same score, though they lost the Third Test by an innings.

Retired McGrath has been bullish as ever, predicting another whitewash. He said: "If they can do the same and improve in one or two areas they will do really well and probably win 5-0."

Things look much closer on paper, however, and there are high hopes that England can wipe away the nightmare 06-07 series by performing as well as in that great series of 2005.

Prediction
England lose the First Test but launch a magnificent comeback to take the series 3-2.

First Test Sophia Gardens, Cardiff - July 8-12
Second Test Lord's, London - July 16-20
Third Test Edgbaston, Birmingham - July 30-Aug 3
Fourth Test Headingley Carnegie, Leeds - Aug 7-11
Fifth Test Brit Oval, London - Aug 20-24
Live coverage on SkySports and TMS on BBC Radio 4. Highlights at 7.15pm on channel five.