Ian Chappell says actual Ashes contests 'more illuminating' than 'jousting beforehand'

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has slammed the 'trumpeting' of Australia's home advantages in the winter Ashes series, saying that the actual contests are generally far more illuminating than the 'jousting' beforehand.

Expressing his doubts over the talk over a settled Australian side and the troubled English camp, Chappell believes that although Australia's stocks will rise quickly if England's batting frailties continue like the last series, however, neither side is sustainable.

According to News.com.au, Chappell said that England has four batsmen, three bowlers and a wicketkeeper if Matthew Prior is fit, with an established Test pedigree, while Australia has one batsman, with all-rounder Shane Watson another borderline, two bowlers and a wicketkeeper.

Chappell further said that even though David Warner, Watson and Steve Smith are all explosive stroke makers who can create trouble for the opposition, Australia may face a shortage of runs if the trio continues to bump along, leading the team to rely heavily on captain Michael Clarke.

According to Chappell, Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott have successfully overcome previous challenges as evident in their Test records, although he added that Clarke has also overcome his frailty against the short-pitched delivery.

Turning attention to the bowlers, Chappell said that both sides have two excellent fast bowlers, although Mitchell Johnson is the unknown factor in Australia's quest for the Ashes, adding that if Johnson fires consistently it could elevate the side to favouritism and if his resurgence is a myth, it could reduce their efforts to futility.

However, Chappell pointed out the fact that England has a distinct advantage in spin bowling, although he added that it would be a huge gamble if Australia opts for an all-pace attack at the Gabba.

Even though Chappell believes that England is favoured to win on paper as they have more pedigreed players and Australia needs everything to go right in batting and bowling, however, he added that playing on the turf is very different from paper suggestions.