Kevin Pietersen backs Australia to retain Ashes

Out-of-favour England batsman Kevin Pietersen believes that Australia will hold the edge over their traditional rivals in the upcoming Ashes series beginning on July 8 at Cardiff.

Pietersen, who is currently playing for the St Lucia Zouka in the Caribbean Premier League, maintained that the Ashes is going to be very close. He added that although Australia have the edge in certain areas, it is not going to be three, four or five nil, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Pietersen, a veteran of 104 Test and 136 one-day caps for England, has been out of the national squad since his central contract was cancelled by the ECB following the team's Ashes washout by Australia in 2013-14.

Despite England appear to be buoyed by their recent surge in form, Pietersen suggested that the hosts' would be required to perform to their level best or else they would be in trouble as Australia have a lot of depth in their side.

The Michael Clarke-led team, who claimed a 5-0 whitewashed on home soil last series, will seek to end a streak of three straight away Ashes series reverses on this tour.