“They all have to have an amazing series because, if they don’t, then we’re in trouble”

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Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen believes that Australia are favourites to win the upcoming Ashes series, which starts on July 8 in Cardiff.

While Pietersen will watch the Ashes from the West Indies, where he is currently representing the St Lucia Zouks in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), he has backed Australia to win their first Ashes series in England since 2001.

“The Ashes is going to be very close, much closer than we think. Australia have the edge in certain areas but it’s not going to be three, four or five-nil,” Pietersen told TalkSport. “I’ve gone for two-one to Australia but English conditions will help England and Australia will be tested. The Dukes ball is totally different from the Kookaburra.”

However, Pietersen pointed out that all the England players have to be at their very best if they want to avoid being dominated by Australia, like they were when they were whitewashed 5-0 by the Baggy Greens in the last Ashes series in 2013-14.

“England has some key players in Joe Root, James Anderson and Alastair Cook,” he said. “They all have to have an amazing series because, if they don’t, then we’re in trouble, whereas Australia have a lot of depth in their side.”