The controversial former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has backed Australian bowlers to retain The Ashes this summer.

Pietersen, 35, who was sacked by England following their Ashes thrashing in Down under last year – He does not think that the hosts have a good bowling attack to stop Darren Lehmann’s men from recapture the urn.

Writing in The Telegraph, the South African-born English cricketer said: “Sadly I think Australia will win 2-1 but predictions of a walkover for them are wide of the mark.

“I want England to win but I just can’t see it happening. I hope I am wrong. The difference between the two teams this series is we do not have that strike bowler who can lead the attack and take wickets while James Anderson is resting between spells.

“Two years ago we had Graeme Swann but I’m concerned as to who will be our match-winner if Anderson does not turn up. It is essential Stuart Broad and Mark Wood are firing and taking wickets.”

Pietersen has predicted that Aussies are favourites to win the Ashes series 2-1.

Australia won the last series 5-0 having but have not won on English soil since 2001. While England are bidding to reclaim the urn, when the first Test starts in Cardiff tomorrow.