In the last month, both England and Australia had to replace a middle-order rock. In a reversal of established roles, England plumped for Robert Key (age: 23) ahead of Mark Ramprakash (33), while Australia have gone for Darren Lehmann (32) ahead of Michael Clarke (21). In its caution and lack of imagination, this is a peculiarly English selection from the Aussies. Everyone knows they will win this series; the only issue is by what margin. And yet of the likely XIs at Brisbane next week, England's average age is 30 and Australia's 31. Who's being negative now? Rob Smyth

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