Ten talking points as the Ashes heads to HQ

The Lord's test begins on Thursday, with England heading to the Home of Cricket in good shape after a superb 169-run win over Australia in Cardiff.

England win by 169 runs!! Yes boys! Top performance #Ashes pic.twitter.com/I6E0Xflx6L

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2015

Here's ten thoughts looking back on that victory, and forward to the next game (everyone loves a listicle right?)...

1. Siddle on the slope

It's refreshing to be able to go into the second test with no selection debates for England. Australia, meanwhile, might be weighing up a change or two. Personally, if I were the Australians I'd turn to Peter Siddle. He's aggressive, consistent and experienced and should drive the likes of Johnson, Starc or Hazlewood on. The aggression would be help the visitors go toe to toe with the likes of Stokes while his consistency and experience could be vital given the lack of the recently retired Ryan Harris. I also fancy he'd do well on the infamous Lord's slope.

2. Haddin Out

He may be one of the more combative members of the touring party, but every cricket fan must surely wish Brad Haddin well. He has withdrawn due to family reasons and you only have to hope all is well. He leaves big shoes to fill - and 29-year-old Peter Nevill will be faced with that daunting task.

Brad Haddin has withdrawn from second #Ashes Test for family reasons. Peter Nevill to debut: http://t.co/2L3kvg5z7t pic.twitter.com/rC4hV7inCX

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 14, 2015

3. Pitch perfect?

There was a lot of crowing about the pitch in Cardiff and it seemed unfair. Plenty of runs were scored at a good pace, while bowlers were able to chip in with wickets when they put the ball in the right areas. The pitch delivered a good match and a result, what more do people want? Graeme Swann made a good point when he alluded to the fact that new drainage systems have dried out many pitches in this country and made them a little slower. 

4. Ali again

At some point people are going to have to accept that Moeen Ali is a worthy first choice spinner for England, especially in home conditions. If 19 wickets against India last summer weren't enough, he took big wickets at important times in the first test to remind a few of the critics what he can do. I enjoyed Ed Smith's piece in the Sunday Times on Moeen, he has, oddly, become the ideal number eight.

5. Lyon king

While we're on spin, Nathan Lyon deserves a mention. Little is said about the Aussie spinner but he was probably the most potent part of the attack in Cardiff. England should underestimate him at their peril, he'll take plenty of wickets this summer if he continues in the same vein.

6. Captain Cook

Hats off to Alistair Cook. While the skipper didn't deliver the best of tallies with the bat, he more than made up for it with good catching and excellent captaincy. In typically understated fashion he rotated his attack to good effect and they all responded with excellent execution of their skills. This should form the blueprint for success going forward.

7. Leave Root alone

Man of the match Joe Root was magnificent again and a real joy to watch. Let's leave him exactly where he is in the order - and not weigh him down with the captaincy any time soon - and hope his form can continue for as long as possible. 

8. Complacency

It's not only Lyon that England would do well be mindful of. Some pundits - probably the same ones who wrote England off entirely - have virtually written the Aussies off and that's dangerous. The experience and talent in the Aussie squad is such that nothing should be taken for granted. Darren Lehmann is hardly going to let his men roll over either.

9. Any draws?

One thing that struck me about the way both teams played their cricket is how neither side seems suited to toughing out a draw. Both sides are filled with naturally attacking batsmen with just a couple of characters who look as though they could drop anchor and see out time. Rain or circumstances may prove me wrong, but the manner in which both teams play suggests there could be plenty of results and maybe not too many fifth days.

10. Ticket holder

Thanks to a friend - a VERY good friend - I shall be heading to Lord's for the first time to see day three of the upcoming test. Last time the Aussies were here I had tickets to the fourth day at Trent Bridge and it's amazing how this affects your view of the play. In 2013 I endured a highly nervy third day, desperately hoping the game would slow down and things would stop 'happening'. It's an odd thing as a fan, you want your side to do well, but not too well until you see your slice of the action.