Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has admitted that he expects Australia to retain The Ashes this summer.
The tourists have not won on English soil since 2001, but Pietersen does not think that England have a good enough bowling attack to stop Michael Clarke's men from narrowly claiming the series.
Writing in The Telegraph, he said: "Sadly I think Australia will win 2-1 but predictions of a walkover for them are wide of the mark.
"I want England to win but I just can't see it happening. I hope I am wrong. The difference between the two teams this series is we do not have that strike bowler who can lead the attack and take wickets while James Anderson is resting between spells.
"Two years ago we had Graeme Swann but I'm concerned as to who will be our match-winner if Anderson does not turn up. It is essential Stuart Broad and Mark Wood are firing and taking wickets."
The first Test starts in Cardiff tomorrow.
Charlie Bennett
