Hussey backs Oz to win back Ashes urn in 'return series'

Retired Australian batsman Michael Hussey has backed his former side to win back the urn in the return Ashes in Australia, starting in November.

Even as Australia's 31/2-month tour in England ends on Monday, the selectors are striving to pick a squad for seven ODIs in India in October without harming preparations for the Ashes and upsetting the powerful Indian board by resting stars for the tour, which finishes on November 2.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, further complications in the form of the Champions League and pace bowlers' 'injury epidemic' have loomed into the fore and are spelling danger for the return Ashes.

However, Hussey, who will represent Chennai in the Champions League, believes that Australia is capable of winning back the urn at home, saying that he saw some good signs at the end of the recently-concluded Ashes series for Australia, which show that the team has realised a need for stability and sticking to a core group of players they believe in.

Hoping that the mainly young side has learnt a lot of important lessons in England, Hussey also said that Australia started to get more confidence against England towards the end of the Ashes series and urged them to carry that confidence into the home series in November.

Meanwhile, Hussey said that he cannot see a solution to the cramped schedule of Australia and described it as 'far from ideal' Test preparation, adding that the seven-week Big Bash League (BBL) is far too long and has been given too much importance by Cricket Australia (CA).