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To go from inches from 2-0 to 1-1 must be tough to take. The next couple of tests will determine whether England really are a force to be reckoned with and capable of winning the Ashes, or a side who can put away the smaller teams but aren’t ready to be world beaters.<br /><br />England’s big problem has been two-fold. Strauss aside, the batting has been very poor, which puts everyone under pressure. And the other problem has been Jacques Kallis. When you encounter someone in such form, scoring centuries and fifties almost at will (448 runs in 3 tests), you have to have a plan. Or several. Pepper him with short stuff and get someone in his face at short leg. Give him something to think about in terms of field placings. Restrict him. Perhaps a little sledging wouldn’t hurt.