The single-minded focus on the Ashes helped England win in 2005, yes. But on the way to that, they restructured their team to find the right combination and beat South Africa in South Africa and knocked off a majority of other competitors to claim 2nd place. Their victory was wildly praised and celebrated and in the ecstasy and overlong glory that followed, England lost their chance to secure their place at the top.

Now that team is looking to 2009 and a lot has changed. KP is now captain, and while aggressive, we have yet to see whether he can marshal his troops and match wits with a strong Australian side. There is no Vaughan. No Trescothick. Several of the players who will play in that series were part of the squad that was humbled in 2006-2007 5-0. Several of the players have showed glimpses of ability but have failed to follow this through, classic examples being the graceful but spineless Ian Bell and the determined but technically flawed Alastair Cook. And there will be no opponent more relentless on exposing those problems than Australia. However, both England and Australia have a multitude of test series ahead of them that they should be focusing on instead.

Australia has its mind set on what may be a spiteful series in India, followed by home series against New Zealand and the improving South African side. England should be focusing on their visit to India, the West Indies, and a prelude to the Ashes against the mighty Sri Lankas, who will surely be bringing their little pals Murali and Mendis. Then England can perhaps focus on the Ashes. Australia will only be thinking about hen the time comes to wage war once more in the middle. Until then there are more important things to focus on.