England’s attempt to retain the Ashes on Australian soil has begun with great promise after a record-breaking performance with the bat in the First Test was followed by an impressive showing with the ball on day one of the Second Test in Adelaide.

But despite England’s imposing start down under, the Aussies are well in front in the battle of both captains’ online popularity.

Internet research spanning the main social networks indicates that Ricky Ponting has a greater online profile compared to his opposite number, Andrew Strauss.

People search website, kgbPeople.com, have spent hours crunching all the important numbers using in-depth algorithms and at this early stage in the Ashes series, Ponting leads Strauss by 10,435 points to 6,187.

Ponting, by his high standards, has been relatively poor in the series so far with an average of 20 and a golden duck in the opening minutes of the Second Test. Meanwhile, Strauss bounced back from an early duck to hit an impressive 110 and put his side in a commanding position in Brisbane – yet still lags behind his opposite number on the web.

The figures are based on numerous factors, including Facebook fans and Twitter followers.

Trevor Saadi, Head of Online Business of kgbPeople, says: “Ponting may be out in front at the minute but these are early days. We’re calling out to all English fans to address this balance by simply becoming fans and followers of Strauss of Facebook and Twitter. Our search algorithm will be able to work out which captain has ultimately gone for a duck, or smashed a six out of the ground!

“Ricky is clearly one of the biggest names in cricket, being a former Wisden and ICC Cricketer of the Year yet with England’s population doubling that of Australia, we’re hoping we can help Straussy edge the battle off the pitch as well as on it.”

To view the latest score or to get involved with some sledging in support of your favoured captain, visit: http://blog.kgbpeople.com