Australian batsmen will struggle in English conditions: Graeme Swann

Graeme Swann

London, June 25 (IANS) Former England off-spinner Graeme Swann believes that the Australian batting line-up struggles to find its form in England.

The two top cricketing powers will battle in this year's Ashes which is scheduled to start from July 8 in Cardiff.

"I don't think the Australian batting line-up in England is as strong. Nearly all of their batsmen struggled when we beat them here in 2013," Swann was quoted as saying by bbc.com on Thursday.

Australia were beaten 0-3 the last time they toured England but were 5-0 winners at home in the 2013-14 series.

Swann, who took 255 wickets in 60 Tests, also said the fast bowlers from both sides were likely to make a difference.

The 36-year-old said: "England have James Anderson and Stuart Broad, Australia have Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris."

"Whichever pair is more prolific will give their team a very good chance."

Swann also said England skipper Alastair Cook should look to implement a few aspects of the one-day team's dynamic approach to the Test side.

"I don't know how much of the aggressive style of the one-day team will eke into the Test set-up," said Swann, a three-time Ashes winner.

"But Cook will need to glean whatever he can from that one-day squad and try to get those good points into the Test team.That's not teeing off from ball one, but taking on the opposition head-on," he said.