AN England team at the peak of their powers and an Australia side in disarray – this Ashes series is even more compelling viewing than Coronation Street.

The home side have been derailed by Andrew Strauss’s runaway train, one that is threatening to grind Ricky Ponting and Co into the ground. Just how can the Aussies bridge this gap?

There really is no weak link in this England side now that Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen and James Anderson have shown they are capable of being match-winners Down Under.

All the euphoria must be tempered by the fact that this is the worst Australian team for at least 25 years but, after seeing plenty of ruthless hammerings dished out to England over the years, it has to be savoured.

After showing strength in adversity during the First Test – a dogged trait that saved them from two Test match defeats in South Africa last winter – they took their game on to the next level at Adelaide by getting on top of their opponents and never releasing their iron grip.

Only the weather could have saved the Aussies on the final day – how times have changed!

The injury to Stuart Broad should not be underestimated. Any team would feel the loss of their opening bowler and a batsman that is capable of scoring hundreds.

But, judging by the pre-Ashes slaughtering of Australia ‘A’, who, incidentally, might be raided to replace misfiring senior players for the Perth Test, there is plenty of bowling in reserve.

Chris Tremlett looks to be the man that England will turn to and, standing at 6ft 7ins, he has the pace and bounce to keep the home side on the back foot.

The one thing levelled at Tremlett in his career is his lack of aggression on the pitch.

The confidence gained from being part of a successful team should allow the bowler to feel comfortably charged once he gets that new ball into his hand.

And that should be enough to ensure the void left by Broad is suitably filled.