Although not top class, the tenacious anchorman Katich is a must. If it were not for his age, he would be "next Australian captain" material. He is of course very much a batsman rather than an all-rounder but that said, it's astonishing that his left arm spin has not been used more as he genuine spins it and regularly gets bounce. I suspect we will see him bowl this series.

Of course Bopara is not a text book opener (nor has he ever opened in Test cricket for that matter) but he has so much potential. Technique is fine but scoring runs is finer. His massive confidence is aiding rapid improvement and I am duty bound to find him a place in the team.

Pietersen has exceptional talent and everything needed to become a great, though English fans would prefer it if he removed some of the premeditation from his game and played each ball on its merits.

Michael Hussey (excellent on English pitches) pips Michael Clarke for the number five spot while Paul Collingwood's reliance on sheer grit rather than class makes him fall just short. And in any case, batting five is at least one place too high.

I am from the Jack Russell School of wicket-keeping, unless that is, you have a Gilchrist or a Sangakkara in your squad. I believe selectors are mistaken when compromising keeping skills. There is little to choose between Haddin and Prior when it comes to scoring runs and both do so with a healthy strike-rate. Haddin is by far the better keeper and with dropped catches synonymous with losing matches, this was an easy selection.

Dangerous left arm paceman Mitchell Johnson is currently the best all-rounder in the world. Bowling at 150km/h he can hurt batsmen first before eventually getting them out. His crippling back injuries are behind him and he is now absolutely world class! His clean hitting at number eight has been a revelation and he is improving almost daily! I have so much faith in his willow-wielding abilities these days that I'm actually going to promote him up the order by one spot and bat him at seven! He and Ponting could be the difference between the two sides.

By default, the decent Graham Swann gets the spin slot and bats at number eight. Panesar's stubborn refusal to hone a variation and Hauritz, the worst Australian Test spinner in my memory, gift him the slot on a platter.

Anderson has come of age and more importantly, he realises it. He is now confident and aggressive. Only Johnson is bowling better in world cricket. With Johnson a shade short at [3.7] to be Top Series Bowler, Anderson looks fabulous value at [9.4]. I can't see beyond these two to take the most wickets so get on!

The hostile Peter Siddle is bowling well and getting better by the day. Although he's playing the pantomime villain role that once belonged to Merv Hughes, it would be dangerous to underestimate him. Stuart Clark is on the comeback trail from injury but his nagging accuracy and length is something every team needs. He completes the side.

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