Former Australian Prime Minister - and self-confessed "cricket tragic" - John Howard believes England do not have a menacing enough bowling attack to win back the Ashes.
England claimed just six wickets in the drawn first Test at Cardiff as four of the Australia top order scored hundreds in a first-innings total of 674 for six, including a sublime 150 from man-of-the-match Ricky Ponting.
England scraped a draw at Sofia Gardens with a determined rearguard action, led by 74 from Paul Collingwood and finished off by tail-enders Jimmy Anderson and Monty Panesar.
"I just don't think England have a strong enough attack to get Australia out twice and that is the problem they have got", Howard said.
"The Australian batting line-up is very good and you wouldn't get a more flawless innings that Ricky Ponting's.
"They only got six wickets - we got 19. I just don't think England's attack is menacing enough."
Howard was impressed by Collingwood's 245-ball innings and felt a number of England's other senior batsmen could learn a thing or two from his defiant stand.
"I am disappointed we didn't get you out. I thought after Stuart Broad was dismissed it was just a matter of time but full marks to Collingwood.
"He is a dogged player. He had an application that some of his team-mates could well emulate.
"I think Australia will retain the Ashes. I don't say that arrogantly. I like to see a good fight but I think Australia has more depth in her batting than England."
