Sydney: England cricketers do not stand a chance of winning the Ashes series against Australia that begins in Brisbane next month, former Test wicket-keeper Ian Healy said on Friday.

Healy, a former Australian vice-captain who lost his place on the team to Adam Gilchrist in 1999, acknowledged strides England has made under captain Nasser Hussain, but believes the tourists won't be a genuine threat until the next series on home soil in 2005.

"I can't see it being any better for England than the last series," he said. "England may get a Test match, but I don't see the tale of the Ashes changing."

"England is on the right track, they talk a good game. They've got the right philosophies and I'd put them closer to Australia in 2005, but not here in our conditions," he said.

Australia begins its third Test against Pakistan in Sharjah on Saturday after thrashing the team last weekend and Healy said the experience of the Middle East trip would leave the Australian players primed for Ashes success.

"I can see them being quite aggressive this Test match, there could be some real heat on and I think they are in great stead for the Ashes," he said. "What happens when you play on the sub-continent, and especially in the Middle East, is that you come back here and see the grounds and the practice facilities and the green of everything and it's just a wonderful feeling.

"They are going to love coming back to these conditions." Healy, who is now a television cricket commentator, tried to have some encouraging words for the tourists, most of whom arrive in the country later the day.

"I still think Australia will be a touch vulnerable in the first innings, as it was last year in England, but England didn't pounce," he said. "They have probably got one window there, to get them on the hop in Brisbane but if they don't I can see it being any better than the last five series."

Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
Varied bowling key to beating Aussies, says Hussain
Hussey to lead county teams against England in 2 ties