The long-awaited Ashes series begins on 5th July with the First Test from Edgbaston. The England camp, fresh from their poor NatWest series performance, will be determined to put up a better show in the Tests, and perhaps snatch the Ashes from their old adversaries.

However, in spite of England's five series unbeaten run, recent history does not hold out much hope for the home side. You have to go back to 1985 for England's last series win on home soil, achieved under the leadership of David Gower. England then retained the Ashes in Australia in 1986-87, but since then it has been all Australia.

It would take a brave man to back against the Australian's making it seven series in a row, but you could argue that England are boosted by a return to form in the Test match arena. It all makes for a fascinating series ahead, and if it is anything like the 1997 series, it could be a cracker.

The 1997 series finished 3-2 to Australia, although they had clinched the series 3-1 before the Sixth Test was played. Over recent years the series have been extremely high scoring, with many of the individual tests ending in a positive result. I see this series following a similar pattern.

With high scores in prospect, and the possible intervention of the weather, a tied series is a good outside bet at 5-1.

As we have seen in the NatWest Series, these Australians are a highly professional and ruthless outfit, and any weakness on the part of the English will be exploited to the full. England need to be firing on all cylinders to compete, and will be heavily reliant on the impressive opening bowling partnership of Gough and Caddick, and on players returning from injury, such as key all-rounder Craig White and captain Nasser Hussain.

Australia are 1-3 to win the series which offers little value – better perhaps to try a correct score bet. Australia are currently priced at at 8/1 to win the series 3-0.

Ladbrokes are currently offering correct outright result and correct score betting on the Ashes series. Click on the link below to check the current odds and place your bet.

Please note: odds quoted in this article are subject to change. Check the Ladbrokes.com website for the latest odds.

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