Lara hasn't been as consistently prolific since 2001 as Kallis, Dravid and Ponting. He's been good, but not AS good. Anyway, after his brilliant hundred yesterday he may well have increased his chances. It all depends on the form between now and then, but personally I think Dravid and Sehwag are certain picks, Strauss and Vaughan will fight it out for the second opening spot in the Ashes, and if they both fail Smith comes back into the equation, as does perhaps Trescothick. Flintoff is very likely if two spinners are to be picked, especially if he goes well in the Ashes, and Sangakkara is certain if he is fit as well. That leaves two spots for Lara, Tendulkar and Kallis, and based on recent form I think Kallis and Lara deserve them, but if room is made to get Tendulkar in Lara probably deserves to miss out - IF THE TEAM IS PICKED ON FORM.
The other angle of consideration is that the selectors and the ICC will want Lara and Tendulkar together as the two best batsmen of the last decade, in an effort to appease their many fans and increase public interest. This is perfectly valid, but goes in the face of the selectors claim that the team will be picked on form alone. If this happens, Kallis will miss out or only four bowlers will be picked.
