Pace is the key in Brisbane

ROYTON Cricket Club professional Ben Dunk will be offering his thoughts on the forthcoming Ashes Series between England and his native Australia.

Now that the First Test is just hours away, Dunk reveals which players he thinks are set to play starring roles...

THE first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane is now upon us, and traditionally this is a very happy hunting ground for the Aussie team.

That’s because of the bounce and pace of the wicket – although this year the English team spent a week in Perth – which is also very bouncy – to acclimatise.

Pace bowlers normally dominate in Brisbane and hopefully this continues. We should see some grass on the wicket, and that will provide seam movement early and then quicken up as the heat brings the moisture out of the wicket.

Australia have picked a strong pace attack, especially with the return of Mitchell Johnson.

He has had some issues in previous Ashes Tests, but | think he has learned and through experience will be better prepared for the challenge.

Ryan Harris a key member of the Aussie team.

I faced him last week in Brisbane and he is bowling fast, with late swing. He should test Alistair Cook again early.

George Bailey, my captain in Tasmania, will make his debut and I hope he continues his form from the one-day games and score heavily.

I believe James Anderson will be the key for England early on with his swing and seam, and I also expect Graeme Swann to bowl well as the game moves forward as he will be able to use the extra bounce to trouble the batsmen.

My pick for men of the series? For Australia I’m going for Steve Smith – who looked in great form when Tasmania played him two weeks ago – and for England, Alastair Cook.

His last series in Australia was the making of him as a player and I expect him to thrive on the conditions out here as long as he can get through the new ball.

My season is in full swing now and we have played three first-class matches so far and four of the six one-day games.

We have started the first-class season pretty well, so hopefully we can continue that going forward.