"What we've struggled with is getting our first-class game to wake up. There is no weakness in the pairing at all and, in truth, I cannot see another pairing coping with them - I think they'll win it. "Playing for England pushes you to the limit and I'm grateful for the experiences which have made me better, on and off the pitch. The marathon, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in April, returned to its traditional route from Blackheath to The Mall for the first time in over two years.