Former England pacer James Anderson has tipped Australia as favourites to retain the Ashes on home soil in the five-match series, while also acknowledging that England have a chance to expose cracks in the home team.
“I don’t think England are quite favourites; I’d say Australia are still favourites in Australia,” Anderson told TNT Sports. “They probably just edge out England in terms of being favourites, but I don’t think there’s much in it. It’s a tough one to call, so I’d say Australia, just.”
Australia will head into the first Ashes Test with uncertainty around the top-order formation, as well as the absence of skipper Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Despite this, Anderson feels Australia still boasts a lot of quality players, both in the batting and bowling departments.
“There are doubts around who’s going to bat in the top three. Pat Cummins missing is huge, at least for the first Test. There’s still a lot of quality in their batting line-up, and a lot of quality with their bowlers as well, even if Cummins is missing. The likes of Steve Smith, (Usman) Khawaja, and Travis Head—there’s a lot of quality there,” he added.
According to Anderson, the series opener offers the visitors a great chance to take an early lead against a depleted Australian team in Perth.
“There are question marks there, definitely, and there are cracks that England could potentially expose. There’s a great chance for England to get on top early,” said Anderson.
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