GLOUCESTERSHIRE co-captain Michael Klinger believes Australia will find it tougher than has been predicted against England in the Ashes Test Series,rites Gary Baker.

Australia humiliated England with a 5-0 whitewash in the last meeting between the countries two years ago, and have drawn their two series this year against New Zealand and the West Indies.

But Aussie Klinger, who celebrated his 35th birthday last Saturday and was with the county as the Cheltenham Festival opened on Wednesday, thinks his country’s bowlers, in particular, can cause England some real headaches over the five Tests.

He said: “I think it will be a lot tougher than people think. Certainly England are playing better cricket in the last few months by the look of it and Australia are very strong and have come off some very good winning Test series.”

Klinger thinks the Australians will also adapt to the English pitches, adding: “It depends on the wickets that are produced. Whatever it is, there is a good mix there in the Australian side with the quick bowlers and Nathan Lyon who is bowling well as a spinner.

“They have got good options with their bowling attack. They have guys who can intimidate with Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson and then players who just bowl impeccable line and length like Ryan Harris, (Josh) Hazelwood and (Peter) Siddle.

“They have a very good blend of options there so it just depends on who they go with.”

And over the five Tests, Klinger thinks Australia will just have enough to retain the Ashes. “I think it will be 2-1 to Australia in the series with a couple of draws.”