I THINK Australia are probably slight favourites to win the Ashes which get underway with the first Test Match today.

But I definitely think England can take heart from the way Essex played against Australia last week and how Kent performed against them too.

I would obviously love to see England win and I do think it might be closer than people expect it to be.

I think the series will end 2-1 either way and I’m sure it’s going to be exciting.

In terms of key players, I think Ben Stokes and Alastair Cook are going to be very important for England.

A lot has been made of Ben but he’s a good all rounder who can win games with both bat and ball.

I also think Cookie will be key but he’s in good form and will be looking to carry on from where he left off against New Zealand.

His opposite number, Michael Clarke, will also be the key man for Australia.

I think when he plays well, Australia play well so I think he also has a big part to play in the latest Ashes series.

CENTURY VERSUS TOURISTS WAS ONE OF MY BEST EVER

WE played Australia in their last warm up game before the Ashes but it was a bittersweet match for me.

I was obviously delighted to score 144 against them, inset, and I would say it’s right up there with the best innings I think I’ve ever played.

It was also extra special for me because my dad and uncle were there watching.

Both of my parents work so it can be hard for them to get to games but having some of my family there to see me score a hundred against Australia was brilliant.

Unfortunately, when I was on about 102 though, I was struck by a delivery from Peter Siddle and an X-ray the following day showed that I have broken a rib.

At the time I was fine to continue, mainly because of adrenaline I would imagine but I was out I started to suffer a lot more discomfort.

I’m disappointed to be missing the Lancashire match that’s going on at the moment and I’m really not too sure when I will be back playing again.

There’s been talk of maybe having an injection to ease the pain. But I just hope I’m back out there sooner rather than later because I feel like I’m in good form.