England have played their final warm up game, established their first choice squad and are readily awaiting what promises to be one of the most anticipated Ashes series of recent years. If is, perhaps, time to look at just who makes up that Ashes squad.

Andrew Strauss When England last won the Ashes in Australia the side was led by the prolific Middlesex batsman, Mike Gatting. The selectors will hope that the trick which worked in 1986/7 will repeat itself in 2010/11. A plethora of series wins in both first class and 50 over cricket Strauss will look to cement his position as a skipper of the very highest order with a victory in Australia, a feat countless numbers of England players failed to reach. He will look to continue the consistent successes he has had with the bat since taking over as captain in 2009. With two centuries in the three warm up games Strauss looks set to be the main target for the Australian bowling attack.


James Anderson The Burnley born swing bowler has come on leaps and bounds since the previous tour of Australia. Then on the peripheries of the side he as established himself as the leader of the attack. Almost unplayable when the ball swings his game has also improved when the ball stops moving. How he utilises the Kookaburra ball will be the defining point of his bowling career. He has every chance of success however if he fails and an Australian battling unit with some phenomenal talent is able to get on top of him it may be a very long winter for Anderson.


Ian Bell Arguably the most stylish batsman in the England line up Bell has real talent. He has has problems in displaying this at the highest level. However the Ian Bell who has traveled down under is different to the batsman of the previous tour. Despite an injury early in the English summer Bell has come out fighting, driving Warwickshire to a limited overs title and top flight championship safety he has really come of age as a batsman. If he can continue this form (and an impressive 192 against Australia A suggest he may) he will have done what has alluded him thus far, he will have established him as a senior, world-class test batsman. He has a lot to prove and is well placed to do it.



Tim Bresnan After a shaky start to his international career Bresnan has been in and out of the national side and will, almost certainly not make the XI for Brisbane. A timely 36 and four second innings wickets in the final warm up game will stand the Yorkshireman in good stead. However with the lack of further opportunity to shine and a general reluctance t0 drop a batsman and play a fifth bowler (Bresnan's real place in a side) it seems that only injury or a series of heavy defeats will allow him to break into the first team.



Stuart Broad Since making his test debut in December 2007 Broad has established himself as a certainty on the England team sheet, a position he cemented with a maiden first class hundred against Pakistan in August. He has proved his ability to perform under pressure and will hope to replicate his father's ability to punish an Australian side in their own back yard this winter.



Paul Collingwood The Mr. Dependable of English cricket showed last time around that he is no slouch with the bat. An imperious 206 at Adelaide will be a target again and he may well need to score heavily to ensure his place. If, for a number of reason, England decide to include an extra bowler Collingwood may well be squeezed out.



Alistair Cook The designated vice captain has had his share of problems recently, but England have held firm and showed faith in the Essex opener. An undefeated 111 against South Australia certainly eased some existing fears, however he will be hoping that nelson does not strike and leave him on the sidelines. Like Bell he has much to prove this winter, especially if the England management continues to view Cook as a future skipper.



Steven Davies The keeper-batsman has had a good season with his new county, Surrey however probably not good enough to get a spot in the test side. Only injury will grant the 24 year old his test cap. A winter of carrying the drinks will be a disappointment, although his inclusion in the squad is a further indicator of a bright future.

Steven Finn A year ago the inclusion of the Middlesex quick in the Ashes squad, let alone the line up for the first test would have raised some eyebrows. However such is the promise of the young bowler that an impressive 2010 season for county and country means that Finn has a pivotal role to play. The young seamer will almost certainly be targeted by the Australian side and the winter will prove to be a learning curve for Finn.

Eoin Morgan The Irishman is, of course, best known for his improvisation in the limited overs game and it is likely to be in this format he will make his contribution with the bat this winter.

Monty Panesar A summer with Sussex has allowed Panesar to re-discover some of the form which has made him an instantly recognisable figure. It is pleasing to see that he has not been forgotten by the national selectors, although failing a potentially disastrous injury to off spinner Graeme Swann he is likely to spend his summer with his feet up on the balcony. He may make an appearance if two spinners are picked but, despite strides in his fielding, a weakness with the bat means the cautious side are unlikely to drop a batsman and cannot afford to drop a seamer.

Kevin Pietersen The South African batsman has had a troubled couple of months. Two short spells in domestic cricket have not wholly removed the fears on form and Pietersen is still in need of runs. However such is his talent one big innings can spark a tremendous run of form. Pietersen is a big game player and they don't come any bigger than an Ashes test in Australia - feeding off that a fruitful series is well within his reach.

Matthew Prior The Sussex wicketkeeper has shown great improvement in his game and is a consistent, reliable presence in the England line up. He will look to continue his reliability behind the stumps and add a real presence in the lower order.

Graeme Swann The top spinner in world cricket was very much a series winner for England last time the side came up against Australia and he remains a great worry for the home side. Attempts to target Swann have thus far proved unfruitful. If that state of affairs continues a new tactic is needed as, such is the talent to this extraordinary cricketer, the threat he poses must be addressed.

Chris Tremlett The tall, hit the deck bowler has a lot to offer. If given the chance to play this winter Tremlett will look to change the impression of him as a hot/cold bowler unable to fully utilise his clear talent. If England do have an injury, rather than adding a seamer, he is likely to edge Bresnan out of the running for the spot.

Jonathan Trott Cementing his place as number three Trott will look to add to the phenomenal start he had to his Ashes career. One appearance which was topped by a match saving second innings century is a great start, but not the end of what this South African batsman has to offer. If Trott gets his head down he can demonstrate this easily.

Why wear the Poppy?

As the BBC has been heralding for a number of weeks Armistice Day is fast approaching. The Poppy Appeal is in full swing and, already in shops up and down the country, the paper flowers and collecting tins will be on out streets again in the coming days. The poppy has become a universally accepted emblem, instantly recognisable. But what does it mean? Why and in what spirit do we wear the poppy?

Indeed it is so recognisable that is has become 'black boxed', merely a reminder of the time of year. It exists, we notice it, acknowledge it, buy it. But do we really think about what it means? This is highlighted by the sickening way in which, this year the emblem of ultimate sacrifice has been subverted. Available now are crystal encrusted poppies, sported most notably by the judges on ITV's X Factor. The £84.99 price tag is certainly a boost to the good work of the Royal British Legion, however as an emblem it is unequivocally inappropriate. The poppy was never intended as a fashion statement. With this it has become one. The donation is important, but the sober dignity of the simple traditional poppy worn, without further adornment, almost universally is far more important as a symbol of remembrance and determination to avert warfare.

The origins of the symbol are, of course well known. Blossoming in the disturbed earth of France and Flanders as a result of the horrors of the trench warfare of the Great War the spirit is encapsulated so movingly in John McCrae's In Flanders Fields. But where is this spirit?

The poppy became an emblem for a generation who had served in that First World War, of an unspeakable nightmare, the true extent of which remained a secret to those who had witnessed it from both sides. The old soldier's song And when they ask us, used so powerfully in the anti-war piece Oh, What a Lovely War! says it all:

And when they ask us, how dangerous it was,

Oh, we'll never tell them, no, we'll never tell them:

We spent our pay in some cafe,

And fought wild women night and day,

'Twas the cushiest job we ever had.

And when they as us, and they're certainly going to ask us,

The reason why we didn't win the Croix de Guerre,

Oh, we'll never tell then, no we'll never tell them

There was a front, but damned if we knew where.

No matter how many histories of the war are written, how long we study the conflict or even how many films are made we can never understand the true tragedy on innumerable levels the 1914-18 war in particular was. That, I suppose, is something which we cannot accept. The First World War generation is gone and the next, which sent it's sons off into another global conflict is ageing. For the first time in a century we are living in a society where the majority of the population know nothing of the horrors of battle. We glorify war and we prize our 'heroes' in uniform but we know nothing of it. Countless glossy war films, video games and senseless fiction has left us, as a society, de-sensitised to what an abhorrent notion war is and always will be to humanity.

I have not served, but taken from men who have in war zones of the past quarter of a century (Afghanistan, Iraq, Northern Ireland, and the Falklands) a letter to The Independent Wednesday 3rd November 2010) highlights the true meaning of Armistice Day. Put succinctly 'Remembrance should be marked with the sentiment "Never again" ' It must not provide some sort of validation for current conflict, nor must it glamorise the mystique of heroes. Regrettably it does.

Behind the medals, the homecoming parades and the sometimes sickening jingoism and rhetoric of heroism we have lost what war is. It is an affront to humanity. As the six ex-servicemen state with far greater authority than I can claim 'There is nothing heroic about being blown up in a vehicle. There is nothing heroic about being shot in an ambush and there is nothing heroic about fighting an unnecessary conflict.'

The poppy must represent to us, as it did to those now long gone battalions of the 'The War to End All Wars' humble, silent remembrance and a determination to fittingly honour the memory of those who could say 'For your tomorrow, We gave our today'. Nothing short of that will do.

Yorkshire

At the start of the season Yorkshire were widely tipped for relegation. A young, inexperienced squad with a green captain there seemed to be cause for concern. The side, however have silenced the critics and proved that with a mixture of youth talent, experience and teamwork the White Rose could be more than competitive.

Going into the final day of the championship Yorkshire had every chance of clinching the title. Indeed had the side shown greater discipline batting on the final day against the already relegated Kent and secured victory the title would have returned to Headingley. Excellent form in the Pro40 too saw the side reach the semi-final stages, only to be defeated by the weather and Ian Bell's Warwickshire.

Yorkshire have made great strides forward this season with such a young side (only former England all rounder Anthony McGrath and wicketkeeper batsman Gerard Brophy are over 30) and the future looks bright. The number of players included in the England squads this winter implies that the national selectors agree.

Top of the Order - Adam Lyth

In his first full season of county cricket Lyth has been a revelation and his inclusion in the England performance squad heading for Australia this winter is a real recognition of his great talent. Lyth is a batsman who does not like to hang around and his 1,509 runs at 52.03 have been scored at a good rate. This positive approach has given Yorkshire a good start throughout the season and such an attacking option opening the innings reflects the approach of captain Andrew Gale and his side have adopted in all forms of cricket.

Best Bowling - Adil Rashid

Rashid has been left by England following a number of inconclusive outings at the top level this season to develop. This is certainly a wise move as the 22 year old with such promising talent learns the art of leg spin bowling. Yorkshire will be pleased to have him in their ranks as 57 wickets at 31.29 have provided an attacking option and complemented the developing seam attack well.

Rising Star - Adam Lyth

Lyth will be honoured with the recognition he has received from the PCA, picking up the 'Young Player of the Year' award to add to a similar honour from his county. With the retirement of former England captain Michael Vaughan mid way through 2009 Lyth has grasped the opportunity to enjoy a prolonged run in the first team with both hands. Not an opener by trade he has not let this put him off and has earned not only his county cap but the right to be one of the first names put down on any Yorkshire team sheet for some time to come.

A Year to Forget - Joe Sayers

The opener often compared to Geoffrey Boycott due to his conservative style has had a season blighted by illness. A championship specialist, Sayers only managed eight games and 376 runs before an unfortunate affliction which has left him weak and without the energy to play put an end to his summer. Making a steady recover Sayers, who harbours a desire to play international cricket, will look for a full and fruitful season in 2011.

Star Man - Jacques Rudolph

The former South African batsman has continued his fantastic form for Yorkshire. Since signing as a kolpak player in 2007 he has consistently scored large volumes of runs. A further 1,375 at 50.92 add yet more to this sizable tally. Excellent work in the longer form of the game is mirrored that in limited overs. His 755 runs in 12 Pro40 games at 94.37 has earned the middle order batsman a place in the record books, becoming the highest runs scorer in a season for the White Rose county. In his three years at Yorkshire Rudolph has been a fantastic influence and a true ambassador for the game both on and off the field. His departure to concentrate on his family in South Africa will leave an enormous void in the Yorkshire dressing room and one which, with a commitment to young, home grown talent, will not be filled immediately. The batting line up at Headingley will be fragile next summer but if the young talent continues to develop there is great cause for optimism.

Worcestershire

Worcestershire have consolidated well after a winter which saw much of the serious talent at New Road desert the club in search of brighter (and more lucrative) prospects. The club have, however done surprisingly well and more junior members of the squad, notable Moeen Ali and Daryl Mitchell have really thrived under the added pressure.

Limited overs form did allude the county with poor performances throughout. Although a good championship showing is a source of pride as, thanks to Glamorgan's fall at the final hurdle, it meant that once again Worcestershire will compete in the first division. Ultimately as a result of financial circumstances Worcestershire has been left with little alternative but to trust a young, largely inexperienced squad. Although this may not have been entirely by choice the club has not been let down. How this side will perform in the top tier remains to be seen, although it will provide an excellent opportunity for bonding and development all round.

Top of the Order - Moeen Ali

A prolific season with the bat brought 1,260 runs at marginally under 50, a clear illustration of how well her has coped with the increased responsibility an inexperienced squad has brought. With excellent support from new captain Daryl Mitchell (1,180) and Dutch International Alexi Kervezee (1,190) it is clear why Worcestershire were in a strong position and were able to capitalise in the final championship round. Also a more than useful spinner the club will be eager to retain Moeen Ali at New Road as, if he continues such form he will be a real asset for the future.

Best Bowling - Alan Richardson

If the batting is showing both stability and promise the bowling attack looks somewhat fragile. Veteran seamer Alan Richardson has done well for his latest county and 55 wickets at 24.4 show that he is far from a spent force. However a bowling line up led by Richardson (35) and Matthew Mason (36) is far from youthful and future consistency is a worry.

Rising Star - Ben Cox

Worcestershire had to wait until the 18 year old Cox had completed his 'A' levels before adding him to the first team line-up, however with the promise he continues to show indicates that their patience will be rewarded. Cox has a great deal to learn, both behind the stumps and with the bat, however with some tidy glove work and a second career half century he has demonstrated that, in time, he has every chance of becoming a more than capable cricketer.

A Year to Forget - Vikram Solanki

It may seem a little unfair to suggest that a batsman who scored over seven hundred runs this season has had 'a year to forget', but such is the class of Solanki that he will be looking to improve. Having resigned the captaincy to concentrate on his batting the old campaigner will seek to reap tangible rewards next season. He will look for runs in all competitions to guide his county to greater things and the odds are that he will go out and make a real impact with the bat.

Star Man - Daryl Mitchell

Signing a new four year contract Mitchell has committed his future to his home county. Volume of runs and the appointment as captain indicate that Worcestershire have ensured the services of a good man. He succeeded in guiding the New Road club not only through runs at the top of the order, but also through an excellent demonstration of his captaincy gift. The first captain born inside the county for 85 years, Mitchell took on the mantle when Worcestershire were floating. Yet he managed to turn the fortunes around and successfully focus on promotion. A good prospect with a full season in charge.

Warwickshire

'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' the 2010 season was certainly a tale of two formats for Warwickshire. Semi-finalists in the Twenty20 cup (for the sixth time in seven years) and Pro40 champions the Bears had a poor championship run, saved from the drop only by some spirited performances in the final stages of the competition.

When all is taken into consideration director of cricket Ashley Giles and his men can look back on the year with pride. Mid way through the season a slip on all fronts looked imminent, however a true fighting spirit showed that Warwickshire had the ability to come through and perform at the right time. This renaissance was due largely to the efforts of overseas signing Imran Tahir, great all round performances from Neil Carter and the fantastic form of Ian Bell, who did not let a foot injury and time out of the game affect his form. But it would be unfair to say that individual performances alone saved Warwickshire. Cricket is often referred to as a team game for individuals, but that largely neglects the fact that 11 men take the field in every game. The development of a strong and productive team ethic has shown what can be achieved under pressure when a unit works together and puts in united performances.

Top of the Order - Ian Westwood

Batting was perhaps the greatest area of concern at Edgbaston this summer and that the highest run scorer averaged only 25.92 and did not reach three figures in any cricket points to a problem. Nevertheless the 726 runs scored by the captain have been of great value at the top of the order. As skipper Westwood will look to use this as a platform and really lead his men by example, hopefully finally attaining the thousand season runs which are the bench mark of a good summer, a goal which thus far has alluded him.

Best Bowling - Imran Tahir

Poached from Hampshire for one season only Tahir has been the difference between success and failure for Warwickshire. A five wicket haul in the Lord's final capped off an excellent summer with the ball. A tally of 56 wickets at 24.57 helped secure first division safety and with limited overs skill it is little surprise that the Pakistan born leg spinner is being targeted by his adopted home nation of South Africa for international honours. He will leave a sizable void at Edgbaston when he returns to the Rose Bowl next season, his contribution cannot be ignored.

Rising Star - Chris Woakes

The 21 year old seamer continues to impress and it can only be a matter of time before a full test cap is added to honours of England Lions and Under 19 appearances. A good season with the ball, Woakes passed the fifty wicket marker with 54 at a miserly 21.57. A bright future almost certainly beacons.

A Year to Forget - Tim Ambrose

Initially rested and then dropped mid way through the season the diminutive keeper had a poor run all round. Claims that the drop caused him to clear his locker at Edgbaston and the fact that he is now out of contract have fueled speculation that the former England player will not be with Warwickshire next season. This would be unfortunate for Ambrose. Having left Sussex in search of greater prospects for first team cricket a career blossomed and the England keeper's spot ensued. After a run of ten games he was replaced by former team mate Matthew Prior, a more viable prospect with the bat. Amborse was given one more chance at the top level and did not waste the opportunity, keeping well and notching up an undefeated 76. This was not enough to secure greater involvement with the national side. Omitted by all three of the major teams he has turned out for Ambrose has been unlucky. He will hope that next season, wherever he may be playing, brings greater fortune and marks the beginning of a prolonged and established run.

Star Player - Neil Carter

The South African has certainly lived up to his all rounder billing in 2010 and the PCA 'Most Valuable Player' award has been well earned. Opening both the batting and the bowling in the limited overs game he was instrumental in the success the side experienced there. First class cricket too was highly profitable. His 617 runs and 51 wickets illustrate a man very much at the top of his game. A great performance from a very determined and hard working cricketer.

Sussex

Relegated last season Sussex have shown their pedigree by comfortably attaining promotion at the first time of asking. The excellent limited overs performances of 2009 which brought two titles were not quite matched but the side remained highly competitive. This is certainly a laudable achievement when the absence of key players Mike Yardy, Matthew Prior and Luke Wright for sizable parts of the season is considered.

That such senior players could be absent and the Hove side were still able to generate such a commanding lead in division two does suggest the real difference between a good first division side and their counterparts in the lower tier.

As England continue to eye Sussex players (Monty Panesar has been added to the Ashes squad); the retirement of stalwarts Robin Martin-Jenkins and James Kirtley and the decision by West Indian pace man Corey Collymore to leave for Middlesex the South coast side have some gaps to fill. With a young squad and a promising academy the chance for growth is, however promising and next season could prove a pivotal year in the developing of a side for the future.

Top of the Order - Murray Goodwin

The Zimbabwean took on the role of captain in Yardy's absence and led his adopted county from the front. Amassing 1,201 runs at 52.21 the former international put second division attacks to the sword all summer. His continuing good form has been invaluable and Sussex will hope that he can continue in the same vein next season as the club return to the sterner examinations which promotion will bring.

Best Bowling - Corey Collymore

It is easy to see why Middlesex were eager to snap up the former international who will still be classed as a 'kolpak' player in 2011. His 57 wickets at under 20 a piece will be sorely missed by Sussex and realistically a replacement to lead the seam attack in terms of experience and volume of wickets will need to be found.

A Year to Forget - Joe Gatting

With a famous name perhaps a little too much is expected of any young player, something Ian Botham's son, Liam, found out the hard way. However Joe Gatting has exhibited glimmers of the talent which saw his uncle, Mike, rise to become an all time great with England and Middlesex. It would be unfair at such a young age to suggest he would reach those heights, however seven appearances and an average in the low teens is below par for the 22 year. Next season he will look to develop as a player. It can only be hoped that the onus of such a distinguished surname will not impede progress.

Star Man - Robin Martin-Jenkins

Although not playing a full season due to retirement the son of the current MCC president undoubtedly made his mark at Hove in 2010. His decision to retire, talking up a teaching post came from the realisation that he would not represent his country and felt that by leaving, younger players would get the opportunity to move down this path. This is undoubtedly a praise worthy move (and one which some older cricketers may do well to take note of) if the goal of domestic cricket is to create players of international calibre. Martin-Jenkins ensured that he went out on a high. Top of the Sussex batting averages at the end of the season with 629 runs at 62.9 he signed off with a 78 against Gloucestershire. With the ball too he put in some great performances, being almost unplayable for spells early on, 30 wickets at 19.76 are a testament to that. Martin-Jenkins was not there at the end of a summer to see his only county home, however he undoubtedly laid the foundations of a chart topping summer. He leaves Hove a poorer place, yet one with more youth opportunities.

Surrey

Often described as the Manchester City of English cricket Surrey have seen, once again that throwing the cheque book at a problem rarely provides a solution. A number of high profile signings have performed well and the return of the young Rory Hamilton-Brown as captain may suggest the side is turning a corner, but Chris Adams still has work to do.

The investment in such a young skipper is, without doubt a positive move for the future of the game both in South London and England as a whole. If Surrey can develop the conviction the likes of Yorkshire and Liecestershire have in younger players and a strong team ethos rather than quick-fix mercenary purchases they have the financial backing to go far.

Top of the Order - Mark Ramprakash

The 40 year old batsman-cum-ballroom dancer has shown that he is in no mood to slow a desire for runs which has seen him exceed 34,000 to date in his 23 year career. Comfortably Surrey's leading run scorer with 1,595 at 61.34 Ramprakash has guided his second county. Without his presence Surrey would undoubtedly have been in further trouble.

Best Bowling - Chris Tremlett

The move from Hampshire over the winter has undoubtedly benefited Tremlett. With 12 appearances the tall seamer has taken 48 wickets at a cheap 20.18. This has been enough to kick start a stalled international career with a return to the England fold in time for the Ashes tour this winter.

Rising Star - Jason Roy

The 20 year old right hander burst onto the scene with an unbeaten Twenty20 hundred against Essex and has gone on to show good promise with the bat. He has a long way to go and it would be a shame if a team largely dominated by older players prevents greater first team exposure. However with two half centuries in three first class outings a spark is undoubtedly there.

Star Player - Mark Ramprakash

Consistently making stacks of runs Ramprakash has been invaluable to Surrey. A phenomenal talent he sadly never flourished at an international level, however with the likes of Roy and Hamilton-Brown coming through the ranks he can play a major role as a senior pro in bringing on the next generation.