Merv Hughes says Oz 'very likely' to lose fourth straight Ashes series

Test fast bowling great Merv Hughes has said that Australia is likely to lose a historic fourth straight Ashes series and declared that any success over the experienced and well-oiled England outfit is at least two years away.

According to News.com.au, the former pace star and national selector has slammed Australia playing a one-day international series against India in the sub-continent while England has already landed on Australian soil for a full month of crucial first-class matches before the opening Test in Brisbane starting on November 21.

Hughes, who played 53 Tests including 20 against the bitter foe, said England are doing everything right in their lead-up to defending the famous urn after winning the last three Ashes showdowns, according to the report.

He added that England has got world-class players while the Australians are still trying to find a formula to win, adding that they would have to win all the tosses and play very good cricket.

Hughes, who was an Australian selector from 2005-09, also called for national one-day captain and in-form limited-overs batting star George Bailey to play in the opening Test, the report said.