Ashes: Do Australia have strength to match England?

For the first time in a generation Australia enter the Ashes as underdogs.Beaten by England in the last two series, they were whitewashed in India earlier this year and have been described as the worst Australia team in history.
But are they that bad?
With the help of former batsman Damien Martyn,  who played 67 Tests and helped Australia win the Ashes four times, BBC Sport profiles every member of the touring squad.
Batsmen
Michael Clarke (captain) – Age: 32; Tests: 92; Runs: 7,275; Average: 52.33
The only member of the touring squad who has played in an Ashes-winning team, Clarke established himself as arguably the best batsman in the world on the back of a phenomenal run of form in 2012. Far from universally accepted by the Australian public when appointed as Ricky Ponting’s successor in 2011, he has won over the doubters through sheer weight of runs – and earned a reputation as an innovative and attacking captain to boot.
Damien Martyn’s verdict: “His batting has gone to new levels and in Australia he has a gained a new level of respect. He’s getting up there with a group of guys – Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden – that were unbelievable in terms of their batting stats for Australia.”
Chris Rogers – Age: 35; Tests: 1; Runs: 19; Average: 9.50
The statistics do not tell the full story of Rogers, who was something of a surprise inclusion in the Australia squad, having played a solitary Test in 2008.  Prolific in Australian domestic cricket and also for Middlesex, he boasts almost 20,000 first-class runs at an average of 50.38. One of nine left-handed batsmen in the squad, Rogers has been guaranteed an opening berth to begin the series.
Martyn’s verdict: “A senior member of the side despite only playing one Test. He will make a lot of runs because he knows English conditions and the bowlers. A hard nut.”
Ed Cowan – Age: 31; Tests: 17; Runs: 987; Average: 32.90
A dogged left-handed opener, Cowan arrived late to Test cricket but his 136 against South Africa at Brisbane last year underlined his quality. Has spent part of the 2013 summer playing county cricket with Nottinghamshire, scoring 478 first-class runs at an average of 43.
Martyn’s verdict: “He has been a solid performer during a period of turmoil. Scored a lot of runs in Sheffield Shield cricket and, despite losing his opening spot to Shane Watson, he is likely to fit into the side.”
Phil Hughes – Age: 24; Tests: 24; Runs: 1,452; Average: 33
The Ashes could prove to be a key series for left-handed Hughes, who burst on to the scene with a century in each innings in only his second Test against South Africa in 2009. Unorthodox yet strong through the off side, he toiled against the short ball in England in 2009 and has struggled to secure a permanent place in the team. Managed a highest score of 69 in four Tests against India earlier this year.
Martyn’s verdict: “Super talented with an unbelievable record [in other formats]  – now it’s a question of whether he can convert that into the Test arena. If he does, he’ll be a very good player.”
Usman Khawaja – Age: 26; Tests: 6; Runs: 263; Average: 29.22
The left-hander is yet to realise his potential in international cricket after making his debut in the final Test of the 2010-11 Ashes series in Australia, prompting comparisons with David Gower when he pulled his second delivery for four. There remain question marks over whether he can marry substance with his undoubted style – and blotted his copybook when he was among the four players banned for breaching team discipline on the tour of India. Boasts experience of English conditions from his time with Derbyshire.
Martyn’s verdict: “Very talented with lots of people talking him up. Now he needs to get the opportunity and perform on the big stage. We know how good he is, but can he convert that to Test cricket?”
David Warner – Age: 26; Tests: 19; Runs: 1,263; Average: 39.46
Warner made the headlines for the wrong reasons on this tour after being suspended until the first Test for hitting England’s Joe Root in a nightclub. A devastating left-handed opener who played Twenty20 international cricket for Australia before he made his first-class debut in domestic cricket, Warner has yet to rid himself of the tag as a one-day specialist. However, he has carried his bat in a Test – and hit a 69-ball hundred.
Martyn’s verdict: “An exciting player that needs to be kept on the right path. We’ve all had off-field problems, but he needs to be seen to have learned from his. Very talented and will play a part in the series.”
Shane Watson – Age: 32; Tests: 41; Runs: 2,580; Average: 35.34; Wickets: 62; Average: 30.06
The influential all-rounder averages more with the bat in Tests against England than any other team, with 675 runs at 48.21. Technically correct and particularly strong through the off side, he scores at a brisk rate when at his best. Although injuries have played a part in stalling his career, his commitment has also been called into question. He captained Australia in India after returning from a ban, but stood down as vice-captain before the Ashes. His nagging medium pace is a more than useful seam option.
Martyn’s verdict: “I’m picking him as Australia’s key man. They need him to score runs and take wickets in the Andrew Flintoff mould. Exciting to watch.”
James Faulkner – Age: 23; Uncapped
A powerful, upright batsman and quick enough with the ball to hurry international players, Faulkner is a promising all-rounder who boasts an impressive first-class record – he averages 29 and 22 respectively. He has shown brief glimpses of his talent in eight one-day internationals, most noticeably when he took 2-48 and scored 54 not out in a losing cause against England in the recent Champions Trophy.
Martyn’s verdict: “Comes with a massive rating from Shane Warne, so if Warne says he’s good then that’s enough for me. Has been outstanding in the shorter form of the game.”
Steve Smith – Age: 24; Tests: 7; Runs: 420; Average: 32.30; Wickets: 4; Average: 70.75
Smith has gone from a leg-spinner who bats to a batsman who bowls occasionally, and was called up to the squad as cover when Michael Clarke’s back injury put his participation in doubt. A talented athlete with impressive hand-eye co-ordination, he is one of Australia’s best fielders.
Martyn’s verdict: “Has had a few opportunities and done well in the short-term. One of a number of guys who need to make a mark in the biggest arena.”
– BBC Sports

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