England down but not out, warns Benaud

Sydney, Nov 9 (UNI) His prediction for 2005 proved bang on target and player-turned-commentator Richie Benaud feels contrary to popular perceptions, Andrew Flintoff's side stands good chances to retain the Ashes this time.

Cricket pundits may pooh-pooh an injury-depleted England side, which arrived here sans a number of frontline players but Benaud, who probably has seen more England-Australia Test matches than anyone, believes if the English pacers fire, they can look forward to a good outing here.

''England's pace bowling is the key to the series,'' he told AAP at the recent launch of the Ashes exhibition at the Museum of Sydney.

''I said in 2004 that if England's pace attack bowled well they could win the Ashes and everyone laughed at me. Look what happened,'' he pointed out.

England pace quartet of Simon Jones, Matthew Hoggard, Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison had the Australians scurrying for covers with their aggression and mastery of reverse swing but the side came here without Jones, apart from regular captain Michael Vaughan.

''They'll miss Jones and Vaughan. Simon Jones will certainly be missed, partly because he was an improving bowler. He bowled really well during the last series and, although England as a team did it very well, Simon Jones was the best reverse swing bowler in the side.

''But there's no reason why England can't have a balance in their attack this year, even though Jones isn't there,'' Benaud opined.

''They still have Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard and Flintoff.

That's three main-line bowlers with plenty of pace about them. I think if they stay fit and bowl well they are right in there,'' he added.

He also felt for Vaughan, who hopes to play at some stage during the tour.

''There's nothing worse than being captain and being injured.

England are going to miss Michael Vaughan because of his tactical expertise and the fact that he's a good player.

''They'll miss the little things he added to the series last year,'' he explained.

Benaud, however, warned that Australia, as usual, would be a tough nut to crack.

''Australia are a very good side. People talk about the Australians getting old but that means they are more experienced.

They'll put out a good fast bowling attack.

''Glenn McGrath is back after the illness to his wife and they will have a very strong batting side as well,'' he said, adding Shane Warne's presence would also matter.

Asked to predict the result, Benaud said, ''I've no idea and neither do you. But England only have to draw the series to retain the Ashes, whereas Australia actually have to win more matches,'' he said.

''Last year we had the most extraordinary summer. I always thought the 1981 series was the greatest we'd ever had but last year surpassed it.

''I would like to think the series in Australia will be as exciting as last year - but it's hard to generate that again,'' he felt.

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