Former English paceman Stuart Broad stated Australia have their "worst" team since 2010 as they head into the upcoming Test series.
The bowler's comments were triggered by predictions from ex-Australia batter David Warner that England would lose the contest in Australia 4-0.
England's most recent triumph in Australia occurred during the 2010-11 tour, where the bowler featured in the team which triumphed by three matches to one to retain the urn.
Nevertheless, they have suffered heavy defeats including 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0 during three trips to Australia after that.
"It is very, very difficult to win on Australian territory as an England side, or any side - that's the reality," Broad stated.
"The hosts are massive favourites. The key issue was actually 'Who is under the most pressure?' Well, the Australian side are under the most pressure since they are anticipated to win. They're exceptional at home."
"However they've got uncertainties over their team plus doubts about skipper Pat Cummins' physical condition."
Retirement and Current Assessment
The bowler ended his career from playing following the Test series on English soil last year, when the Australians kept the urn after a 2-2 draw.
He continued: "It wouldn't be outlandish to believe - it's actually not just a view, it's factual - this is likely the worst Australian team after 2010 when the English last won, and this represents the best English team after 2010."
"So those things align to the fact it's going to be an exciting Test contest."
Team Issues and Injury Worries
The opening match starts at the Perth stadium this November, while Australia's preparations have suffered by the potential absence of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played for months due to a back injury affecting his spine.
The pace bowler is still recovering from the problem stating he is "less likely than likely" to feature in the opener.
If he misses out could leave the team with a pace attack featuring Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood plus Boland, all of whom are in their mid-30s, while their other seamers inexperienced and untried at Test level.
Schedule Demands and Past Parallel
The packed Ashes schedule - five Tests in seven weeks - also means each team will face challenges by injuries.
"Australia were so consistent for a long period so that it was clear who would open the innings, who would bat where, what bowlers there were - but now they lack that," commented Broad.
"This is quite comparable to the last winning tour where England went and won in Australia."
"The reality of the matter the hosts generally need to underperform to lose at home and England need to be very good."
"The English team have a great chance of being very good and Australia have a decent chance end up bad."
"I don't think any observer would dispute that it's Australia's least strong squad since 2010... that's simply the truth."
