What will England’s theme tune be this time?

When Andrew Flintoff was appointed England captain again last week, it was largely on the strength of the win he led them to at Mumbai in March. Flintoff did it with charisma, inspiration – and music. At lunchtime on the last day, the England dressing-room reverberated to a raucous singalong of Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash. More than just a rousing tune, it was also a sly reference to the tummy trouble that many of the players had suffered at one time or another.

In Australia, they will need a different theme tune. But what should it be? Judging by the selection – sticking with the devils they know, picking all available Ashes winners, plus everyone who played in the Tests against Pakistan – the song should be Steady As She Goes by the Raconteurs. It’s stirring, it’s from this year, and it’s the kind of sentiment you can only sing when you’re winning. On second thoughts, perhaps that’s a bit risky.

Another contender, for a side carrying so many injuries, would be another Johnny Cash song: Hurt. Great song, apt lyrics, well quite apt – the references to drugs might be a bit tricky. Similar objections apply to David Bowie’s Ashes To Ashes, the greatest song ever written about space travel, narcotics and the 18-to-30-month gap between England-Australia Test series.

Maybe we’re looking for something more cheerful. Flintoff, who once worked on the record counter at Woolworths in Preston, has a weakness for Elton John, so I’m Still Standing fits the bill. “And did you think this fool could never win / Well look at me, I’m a-coming back again.” It could almost have been written for Ashley Giles.

But these thoughts are just to get the ball rolling. Over to you.