Botham: England have Ashes edge

Sir Ian Botham is convinced England retain the upper hand heading into next month’s return Ashes series.

England overcame Australia 3-0 on home soil in the first leg but in a fashion far less convincing than many had predicted beforehand.

Australia also grew in confidence as the series went on, and the contest Down Under is expected to be more evenly fought.

Botham, the former England all-rounder and Ashes hero, told Press Association Sport: “I am looking forward very much to the Ashes and a good series.

“The summer was a good series, I think England deserved to win.

“I don’t think it was the most entertaining Test series, apart from the first Test, but England won 3-0 and they will take the momentum down there.

“They haven’t done too badly. They won 3-0 – it is not England that need to learn lessons.”

Botham, however, does not doubt that the Australians did grow in strength throughout their summer in England.

Australia’s tour appeared to be in chaos just over a fortnight before the start of the Ashes series when Micky Arthur was sacked as coach and replaced by Darren Lehmann.

Botham said: “The Australians have got a very good coach in Darren Lehmann and I think we saw the obvious effect he had on the team as the summer went on.”

England have retained the majority of their side for their touring squad but have included other options such as pacemen Chris Tremlett and Boyd Rankin in their 17-man party.

Botham, who played 102 Tests, said: “England have a settled side. The bowlers have got to do their jobs and they batters have to do theirs.

“It is as simple as that. It is about the team pulling together.

“I think the England team picks itself at the moment. The only one I think might have gone that I was a little surprised about was Graham Onions, but they have gone for the taller and quicker bowler. We will see what happens.”