Tim Paine's quest to pilot a famous makeover

It is set to be one of the more tranquil England-Australia series. That's certainly how it should play out if you go by the build-up. Before the Ashes it was all about ending careers. Now it's about mending bridges.

We'll only know when the battle commences: if the Aussie mongrels had a snip or if England take their cues from the crowds. Certainly those watching at the Oval on Wednesday (June 13) will be on top of those in yellow with similarly toned and comically-sized bits of "sandpaper". But there is enough at stake for both sides beyond vendettas.

"Flower of Scotland" still ringing in their ears,