England begin fresh cycle
The first Test against Sri Lanka in Cardiff is England's first step towards achieving the No.1 ranking in Tests
Siddhartha Talya
25-Feb-2013
The first Test against Sri Lanka in Cardiff is England's first step towards achieving the No.1 ranking in Tests. Read more from Stephen Brenkley in the Independent.
But what happened in Sydney and at other points around Australia should persuade England that they have what it takes to be the best Test side in the world. Stuart Law, the coach of Sri Lanka, has missed no opportunity to say that he thinks they are the top side already. The rankings put them at two, behind India, with Sri Lanka at four.
For England to assume the peak for the first time since official rankings began, they must defeat Sri Lanka and, later in the season, India. The first part of that should be well within their grasp and there was a new-beginning type of spring in England's step yesterday.
Brenkley, again in the Independent, previews Sri Lanka's chances, singling out their bowling as a major worry, particularly in foreign conditions.
In the Daily Telegraph, Michael Vaughan says Kevin Pietersen, under scrutiny for quite some time now, has an excellent opportunity to have a vintage summer as he is at his most dangerous when he has a point to prove.
Nasser Hussain, in his dossier for the first Test in the Daily Mail, chalks out the talking points for the teams, singling out Graeme Swann as the bowler to watch out for on what is expected to be a flat Cardiff track.
How effective Eoin Morgan is as a replacement for Paul Collingwood will be a factor in England's progress this summer, writes Mike Selvey in the Guardian.
Vic Marks, also in the Guardian, turns focus to Stuart Broad, back in the England team after missing much of the Ashes. He says while it's good news that Broad has returned, he faces plenty of competition for his place in the side.
Siddhartha Talya is a senior sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo