Chappell does not hold out much optimism for Australia in the five-match series this summer.
Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell has delivered some damning news to the side he used to captain, claiming England will comfortably beat Australia in the Ashes.
Chappell played 75 Tests for the Aussies between 1964 and 1980, which coincided with a period of Ashes dominance for the team from Down Under.
Yet the 69-year-old has made it clear that he does not have much hope that Australia will be able to reclaim the famous urn back from their biggest rivals this summer.
“I’m holding out hope Australia will win but it’s not much hope,” Chappell was quoted on news.com.au.
“England will win and I expect it to be comfortable.”
As a batsman with an average of 42.42 in the five-day game, the ex-leader believes it is Australia’s batting lineup will let them down, with only one player in their top six – Michael Clarke – currently averaging more than 40 in Tests.
Chappell pinpoints a similar sorry state of affairs in the side’s spin options, with the selectors opting for just one spinner in Nathan Lyon for their 16-man squad – despite Lyon having a relatively poor tour of India earlier in the year.
The squad does boast some strong seam bowlers however, with Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson and Peter Siddle all in good form, whilst James Faulkner is currently leading the Purple Cap award for most wickets in the Indian Premier League.
However, despite a promising pace attack it clearly seems that not much hope is held for Australia this summer – not even from one of their most revered former captains.
The first Ashes Test starts at Trent Bridge on 10 July.
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