Oz media says 1948 'Invincibles' Ashes tour 'similar' to current series

The Australian media has drawn parallels between the 1948 Ashes series and the current series, although it has slammed as 'farfetched' the notion of comparing the current England squad with the Sir Donald Bradman-led 'Invincibles' squad touring England in 1948.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 2013 series has matched the 1948 one uncannily, even the venues, with controversial and grimly fought Test matches being resolved narrowly in Nottingham and the winner going on to a crushing win at Lord's with a 2-0 lead, in both the series.

The report further said that the side trailing in the series in the third Test match at Old Trafford dominated the game but was foiled by rain, in both the series, adding that even the margins were close to identical.

The report speculated that if the pattern continued, Australia would have an one-over England for four days in the fourth Test and set up an unbeatable position, although England will then stage a miraculous comeback win, adding that Australia will then capitulate by an innings at The Oval.

However, the report explained that the comparison with 1948 underlines is that events can be coincidental, but not predictable given that the current Australian team had managed to vastly improve their Lord's performance and gain credibility at Old Trafford.

Stating that comparing the current England squad with The 1948 Invincibles is farfetched, the report, however, said that England's tentative performance at Old Trafford last week was an outcome of a negative mid-series mindset similar to the 1948 touring team.

The report also said that England deserved to lose at Old Trafford given that they were aiming for a draw in the Test with a 'tailored' pitch and obvious draw tactics, although it added that the hosts' mentality will be boosted by having retained the Ashes in the final two Tests for which they will come back with more aggression.

However, the report said that there is still a way out for Australia in the fourth Test, which lies in their top-order batting if captain Michael Clarke can convince the other five batsmen to score big runs like himself.