Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
England's toughest task this summer begins on July 10 when they take on South Africa in a four-Test series.
During the last home encounter in 2003, England fought back to clinch a 2-2 draw. Both teams have progressed since then and this series promises to be as exciting.
England would do well to forget the first half of the summer because the South Africans are stronger and more focused than the New Zealanders.
The Kiwis exposed a few chinks in the England armour, prime among them an out of form middle-order. Both Paul Collingwood and Ian Bell did better in the one-dayers against New Zealand and will now have to carry that forward into the Tests.
England's bowlers will also find that the South Africans are far better equipped to take them on. Hence, the occasional inconsistencies will have to be totally wiped out.
James Anderson will have to work on that the most. Now in peak form, Anderson leaks runs with poor bowling far too frequently. He will have to iron that out if he wants to take his game up to the next level.
Ryan Sidebottom and Stuart Broad have improved tremendously of late. Sidebottom will be the key to England's success.
On the other hand, the South African pace attack, on form, must be the best in the world at the moment. Dale Steyn has got better by leaps and bounds and is the most potent fast bowler in the world along with Brett Lee. He combines brains with brawn and has loads of variations in his armoury.
Makhaya Ntini may lack the variety of Steyn but he still is one of the best bowlers in the world. Morne Morkel, in his brief spell at the highest level, has proved that he has the potential to be as good as Steyn.
Andre Nel is back in the side and will always give more than a 100 per cent if he gets picked. That may seem remote unless injury or lack of form hits his team.
South African captain Graeme Smith scored two double centuries in 2003. Though he still has a few technical problems, Smith's appetite for the big time is undiminished.
Neil McKenzie's comeback has been fairy tale and his tactical inputs will also be a crucial factor.
Jacques Kallis has got into some indifferent form recently but he is so sound technically that he gets back into the groove very quickly. It is hoped that Kallis would unleash some of his excellent cricket shots more frequently now that his career may come to an end in two or three years.
Aggression will be the key to England's success. Under Michael Vaughan, the team has shown attacking instincts which were sorely missing for years.
If they fight fire with fire, England could well be in for a golden summer.
