The ex-Aussie opener believes anything can happen in an Ashes series.
Former Australian opening batsman Matthew Hayden believes England could find themselves on the end of an Ashes upset against Australia this summer.
Whilst Hayden admits that it is going to be a tough task for the Aussie Test side he believes that the Three Lions can write his former team off at their peril.
“Australia are capable of anything when it comes to the Ashes,” the 41-year-old told BBC Sport.
“On form, England have a great chance of winning the Ashes but we are a very dangerous side and this is a big tournament for us.”
Hayden is referring to the fact that many are calling the 16-man squad travelling to England this summer one of the worst to ever do so.
Much has been made of the lack of strength in depth in the Australian team, particularly in the batting top order where only captain Michael Clarke averages more than 40.
Australia lost the Ashes in 2009 and 2011, with then leader of the opposition Andrew Strauss becoming only the fourth English skipper in history to win back-to-back series’.
It is widely believed that England are better than their rivals in all areas and that they should retain the famous urn for the third successive tournament.
Yet Hayden thinks that the fact Kevin Pietersen has still not returned from injury is being overlooked and that the Three Lions’ star man is the catalyst of his team’s success.
“For me he is a key player and would be a huge loss,” the former batsman said.
“He has played against Australia many times, has taken us on and won.”
The first Test in the five match series begins at Trent Bridge on 10 July.
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