Shut out the Ashes talk

In the Guardian, Mike Selvey analyses England's problems at the start of an overseas series and suggests they filter out any Ashes-related talk ahead of the second Test against New Zealand.

One also senses that the tour is still widely seen only as an hors d'oeuvre for the main Ashes course to come.
Away from the team the talk surrounding it is incessant, be it ticket sales or what Australia's performance in India means for those series, or who has the greater depth of pace bowling, and much of it must filter down to all involved with the England team. It is unavoidable and they would not be human if they did not cast an eye to the excitement ahead. But to succeed as a player you have to live in the moment.