After England's emphatic victory over Australia in the first Test in Cardiff last week, the Aussies seem set to make changes to their team for the second Test at Lord's which begins on Thursday. England look likely to continue with the same team that established their early advantage in the series.
Cook wary of opponents' ability
England were dominant throughout most of the match in the Welsh capital, running out the victors by a resounding 169 runs in the final analysis. Despite that massive confidence booster to the spirits of Alastair Cook's side, the wary captain still believes that it is the tourists who remain favourites to emerge triumphant this summer.
His views reflect the fact that as the side currently in possession of the Ashes, the Aussies have "only got to retain" and could do so by drawing the series overall. England need to win to snatch the famous trophy back this time around. Perhaps in an attempt to keep the pressure on their opponents, Cook told the press this week that "it's always nice to be underdogs isn't it?"
Changes for Australia
Australia's all-rounder Shane Watson seems destined to be dropped from the starting line-up after falling lbw in both innings in the first Test. It has been a major concern of his in recent years and the England bowlers are all too keenly aware of the potential to dismiss him in that manner.
The 34-year-old can be a match-winner for the Baggy Greens when he is in top form but news emanating from Down Under seems to suggest that Mitchell Marsh is to be preferred instead at Lord's.
Marsh had already been tipped to come into the side after an impressive start during the tour matches that preceded the first Test.
Centuries against both Kent and Essex were not quite enough to clinch a start in the first international but were indicative of his readiness to step in when required. That time looks to have come earlier than first expected.
Brad Haddin is set to miss out on the second Test due to "family reasons", although his key position in the team as wicketkeeper had already seemed to be up for debate based on recent form behind the stumps.
His dropped catch that allowed Joe Root to go on and make a match-changing century in Cardiff was viewed by many as the catalyst for the eventual result. New South Wales' Peter Nevill will come in as his replacement it seems.
England named same squad
England by contrast have named an unchanged 13-man squad for their London appointment. Moeen Ali has experienced pain in his side since the initial announcement but after a scan it seems that he will be fit to play.
Graves shows his confidence
It's not just the players and fans who seem to be in a more positive mood ahead of the remaining matches against their antipodean rivals. The chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, Colin Graves has also been in ebullient mood following the first Test success, telling BBC Look North that he is "sure we will win" the Ashes. That is despite the past strength of Australia who humbled England 5-0 in the 2013-14 series.
