Incompetent GOP nominees could change the picture, but almost all of the seats that Republicans are defending are in solid-red states.

WSJ: Larry Sabato and Kyle Kondik: The Early Line on the 2014 Midterms

"As the series against Sri Lanka has been decided we have an ideal opportunity to provide Ricky with two solid weeks of red-ball cricket, " said selector Greg Chappell.

BBC: Ashes: Ricky Ponting keen to end to Aussie 'doom'