Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has claimed this year's England cricket team is "the best team they’ve had probably this century" ahead of the upcoming Ashes series.
Ponting praised the England team, saying their confidence heading into the series, as well as their experience, will make for an exciting series and a potential upset
“There’s probably more this time. England are talking themselves up more; they’re confident coming to Australia with the group of players they’ve got and fair enough, this is the best team they’ve had probably this century," Ponting said on SEN.
"Their balance, experience, fast bowling attack looks well-suited to conditions.
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“It’s such an exciting time for fans around the world.”
Ponting also praised England coach Brendan McCullum, saying that the coach can lead them to a history-making series win, which would be their first since 2010-11.
“If you break it down, this whole Bazball phenomenon, the way they play their cricket is about Brendan putting a group together that can play in Australia,” Ponting continued.
“I don’t think it’s been about anything other than winning in Australia.
“They have to turn history upside down. They only have four Test wins in Australia this century. They have a lot on the line.
“That’s what makes this series so interesting. We know how England want to play, we know how Australia do play. The two different ways coming together in Perth will be unbelievable.”
The Ashes series starts on November 21 at Optus Stadium in Perth with the first ball to be bowled at 1:20pm (AEDT).