They say the table never lies and with England sixth in both Test and One Day ranking lists, it is hard to disagree. They are in the 'second division' of cricketing nations, and with good reason.

England have had a terrible winter, book-ended by Stanford controversy, but their recent slump, exemplified by Test series defeat in West Indies, is simply the lowest point of a steady downward curve.

Things can surely not get any worse. England have been a team in denial for some time, but perhaps now, after the hardships of the last six months - Stanford, One Day hammering in India, defeat from a winning position in Chennai, Pietersen v. Moores, defeat in the Caribbean, Stanford again - is the time for optimism.

Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower look set to make a good leadership axis. This is not the only positive from the West Indies Test series, as ironically plenty of players emerged with their reputations enhanced. Others - Ian Bell, Owais Shah, Ryan Sidebottom and Steve Harmison - did the selectors a favour by proving their frailties.

Strauss knows what he is in charge of: a set of players with apparently decent records who often 'go missing' at vital periods. The bowling unit struggles to take 20 wickets, especially overseas and the batsmen only make big runs when the conditions are right.

England have won only four of their 13 Test series since the 2005 Ashes (two against New Zealand, one apiece against West Indies and Pakistan), but despite their recent poor form, planning for this summer's Ashes battle has steadier foundations than those laid before the last campaign in 2006/07.

Only the number three position remains unresolved in batting terms, with Michael Vaughan, Robert Key and Ravi Bopara all pressing valid claims. Vaughan to play in the first Test might just be opening Ashes bet of the year. The rest of the top order did everything that was asked of them in West Indies (barring Jamaica). Matt Prior showed he can bat at six.

Graeme Swann, Stuart Broad and James Anderson did enough to secure their bowling places, which just leaves the third fourth seamer place unfilled, assuming Andrew Flintoff returns to full fitness.

Amjad Khan, Sajid Mahmood, Mark Davies and Tim Bresnan are all in with a chance, whilst Steve Harmison and even Matthew Hoggard could earn recalls with decent early county form.

England entered the 2005 Ashes on a wave of optimism. There is pessimism this time around, which is only right after a team that thinks it is better than it is gets a rude awakening. England are ready to start moving in the right direction after going the wrong way for four years.