The feeling that this summer is preparation for the forthcoming Ashes series downunder is hard to ignore. Bangladesh have been beaten home and away with weakened teams due to first choice players being rested with one eye on the big one.
An under-strength Pakistan should also be swept aside and the dress rehearsal atmosphere will be further enhanced by the needless one day series that is being played against Australia next month. England have no excuse if they again arrive downunder underprepared.
England’s Ashes cricket betting makes them second favourites in a two horse race, but fortunately for the urn-holders, things are already falling into place. The line-up for the curtain-raiser at Brisbane is all but settled. Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell and James Anderson are survivors from the 5-0 whitewash four years ago who are guaranteed to start the series.
Stuart Broad, Jonathan Trott and Matt Prior will certainly be on the plane and should join Graeme Swann in the first choice line-up. A fast bowling berth is up for grabs, with Steve Finn - touted as the hit-the-deck fast bowling ingredient needed for success downunder - at the front of the queue.
Eoin Morgan might not have properly grasped his opportunity against Bangladesh but should still be the spare touring batsman. Steven Davies is having an excellent first-class season and should edge out Craig Kieswetter to retain his place as back-up wicketkeeper. There is no reason to think James Tredwell will slip down the spin bowling pecking order, even if Monty Panesar and Adil Rashid regain their form for their counties. This leaves two fast bowling places, with Tim Bresnan, Ajmal Shahzad and Ryan Sidebottom the rivals for the place.
Each has stated his case over recent months, but the injury to Bresnan leaves him vulnerable, despite him being the most likely choice in normal circumstances. All three will get their chance during the summer and the management will be happy to leave one space open - previous Ashes touring squads were barely as settled as this one already is when they assembled for departure.
Meanwhile, the World Cup is fast approaching and the World Cup betting makes England among the favourites to win the tournament.
If they are successful, their cricking counterparts will no doubt look to take inspiration from them when they head to Australia.