Gilchrist says England favourites but not guaranteed the Ashes

SYDNEY - Former Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist is anticipating another tight Ashes series between Australia and England, and believes that either team can win the urn.

Gilchrist reckons that England are the favourites, but insists that reminding the likes of Alastair Cook and James Anderson about the 2006 Ashes whitewash horror could reopen wounds.

“England are favourites now, but that doesn’t guarantee the Ashes. Cook will have bad memories of his last visit. And Anderson could have his mind cast back to his lack of success four years ago,” the Sun quoted Gilchrist, as saying.

“If Australia get on top, they could deflate the team very quickly,” he added.

England will be defending the urn they claimed with a 2-1 success on home soil last year.

The first of the five Ashes Tests will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from November 25 to 29.

It will be followed by Tests in Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

The tour also has two Twenty20 clashes and a seven-match ODI series. (ANI)