Australia squad selection ridiculous - Chappell

Ian Chappell believes Australia have picked a "ridiculous" Ashes squad and it would be "nonsense" to rely on part-time spinners during the series. Chappell, who captained the 1972 and 1975 touring squads, has tipped England to prevail in the five-match contest, a prediction backed by the former England captain Tony Greig.

"If you're looking for clues as to who might win, I always look at the bowling attacks," Chappell told Cricinfo. "Generally you can go with the team with the best attack. At the moment England certainly have got it.

"A bit will depend on [Andrew] Flintoff and his fitness, but if he's fit and can stand up for all five Tests then England have definitely got the better attack, and a better balanced attack. On that basis I would have them slight favourites."

Greig, who played in 21 Ashes Tests, said he was not convinced the Australian batsmen could handle the England bowlers if they swung the ball like they did in 2005. "I'd go for England, but only by a whisker," he said. "There's always so much tension around the first Ashes Test so temperament could play a very important part."

A four-man pace brigade is a strong possibility for Australia following the disappointing early performances of the offspinner Nathan Hauritz and Chappell said the balance of the side was the biggest concern going into the first Test in Cardiff on Wednesday. "I just don't believe part-time spinners can do the job for you," he said, as Australia consider the merits of using Marcus North, Michael Clarke and Simon Katich instead of Hauritz.

"They should have learned the lesson after what they tried in India and that was an abject failure. You might get away with it on occasions. You shouldn't win Test matches against decent cricket teams relying on part-time spinners. The selectors have made an absolute nonsense of what they've done with spinners." Chappell would prefer Australia to play three fast men and a slow bowler.

He also said it was a mistake not having a specialist top-order batsman in the squad, especially with Phillip Hughes' early-tour problems. "I thought it was ridiculous," he said. "Certainly not going with a third opening batsman is just asking for trouble. There seems to be this widespread feeling that Hughes is fine, he's going to be a star. Well, he's only played three Tests. He's got a very unorthodox technique that could come unglued at any time. If it happens to be a wet summer in England he could be in a bit of trouble."