clue

One insider who has been part of conversations about the chances of changing the leader says, "it's not flighty people, not just newbies without a clue, they're not idiots".

He had no clue the explosive impact the video would have.

"Sometimes parallels are pointed out that I don't even have a clue about," he laughs.

Bethell will have further chances to impress in white-ball matches in New Zealand that precede the Ashes, while further clues will come in England's only warm-up match in Australia, against a Lions team in Perth.

A look back offers some clues, though it should be said no two election cycles are alike and the past is only illuminating insofar as it casts light on certain patterns.