Aggers’ Ashes. Jonathan Agnew

to force Strauss to take him off, or will they simply keep him out? Both have risks attached – over-aggression in the first approach while the Decision Review System gives Swann quite an advantage against defensive left-handers in particular.

      Predictions always come back to haunt you, but I will repeat mine of some months ago that England will win 3-1.

      Chapter Two

       Brisbane Test

       “I couldn’t have more faith in the boys. The matches will be close but I’m tipping a 5-0 whitewash.”

      GLENN MCGRATH

      DAY 23: 25 November 2010, First Test – first day

      Even for a seasoned old cricket-broadcasting pro of twenty years experience, this morning really does feel special. I forego my run (not much persuasion required, frankly) in favour of an early interview on ABC radio, for which I will also be working during the series. In the hotel lobby I ask the reporter where her outside broadcast equipment is. She laughs and holds up her iPhone. “We’re all cutting edge here in Brisbane, you know,” she says. “We can now broadcast in studio quality over this phone.” Being something of a gadget geek I am seriously impressed. We take our seat on a bench overlooking the river. A sweating Paul Allott (former England fast bowler and broadcaster) lumbers past – he is also on a health kick – and before I know it we are on the air with me answering questions into her phone. All proceeds perfectly until someone rings her number and knocks us off! Promising, but a work in progress.

      Adam Mountford is on duty early in the TMS