Whatmore backs Australia to win Ashes

Dav Whatmore, the Bangladesh coach, reckons Australia will regain the Ashes in the 2006-07 season. Australia lost a memorable series in England last year, but Whatmore believes that Australia's persistence will make them the favourites when the two sides clash again later this year.

"I think they will do very well," Whatmore, who played seven Tests and an ODI for Australia in the 1970s, was quoted as saying in Sydney Morning Herald. "I think they will win it. The measurement of a good team is over time, it's not just over one series, as is presently the case with England beating Australia last year. They're going to have to repeat it to be considered a good team like Australia."

The fortunes of both teams have been quite contrasting since the 2005 series. Australia won the Super Test and then swamped West Indies (3-0 at home) and South Africa (five wins in six Tests, both home and away), before getting past a spirited Bangladesh. England, on the other hand, lost 2-0 in Pakistan and drew 1-1 in India.