Steve Waugh says Oz's fate in winter Ashes depends on fitness of 'key' Clarke, Harris

Former Australian Test captain Steve Waugh has backed current skipper Michael Clarke and veteran Ryan Harris as the key players for their team in the forthcoming winter Ashes series, and said that Australia's chances of success depend on the duo's fitness.

The two old enemies lock horns again - just months after England secured a 3-0 win on these shores - when the first Test begins in Brisbane in two weeks' time.

According to Metro.co.uk, Waugh expects a nip and tuck contest in Australia, and said that the fitness of Clarke and Harris would have a major say in the series as both the players are crucial to Australia's chances of success in the Ashes.

The report mentioned that Clarke has just returned to action after a long-standing back complaint ruled him out of the one-day tour to India, while Harris has struggled to stay fit throughout his career.

As well as the form and fitness of Clarke and Harris, Waugh expects Mitchell Johnson, who has come in for some harsh treatment from England's supporters in the past, to come back into the Test fold and answer his critics.