Balanced England can win Ashes, says Faf du Plessis

ByReuters

Updated 08/08/2017 at 12:01 GMT

England have the right balance to beat Australia at this year's Ashes series, South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has said after his team's 3-1 series defeat by Joe Root's side.

James Anderson of England celebrates dismissing Kagiso Rabada of South Africa during day four of the 4th Investec Test match between England and South Africa at Old Trafford on August 7, 2017 in Manchester, England.

Image credit: Getty Images

Hosts England completed their series victory with a 177-run win at Old Trafford on Monday in a keenly contested series.

Australia will host England for five tests in one of the world's most famous sporting rivalries with the first match beginning on Nov. 23 in Brisbane.

England's opening bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad is expected to bear most of the burden of keeping Australia's batsmen in reins and the pace duo received a lot of praise from du Plessis.

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England fast bowlers Ben Stokes, Toby Roland-Jones, James Anderson and Stuart Broad celebrate with the series trophy after winning the Investec Test series between England and South Africa at Old Trafford on August 7, 2017 in Manchester, England.

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"If you have assistance and skill, which England's bowlers have, you can target Australia's batting line-up," du Plessis told the BBC.

"They are relentless and our batting line-up wasn't strong enough for them.

"Australia have fiery and quick batsmen so England will need to get through them. (But) I think England could be Ashes winners. They have a balanced team."

South Africa's captain Faf du Plessis (C) talks with his teammates during a huddle aftre the tea-break on the first day of the fourth test at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester, north-west England on August 4, 2017.

Image credit: Getty Images

Du Plessis captained his side to a famous 2-1 series victory Down Under last year, prompting wholesale changes in the Australian squad under Steve Smith.

The 33-year-old said England would have an even better chance of succeeding if the wickets provide some assistance to the quicker bowlers.

"I think it's dependent on the conditions," du Plessis said.

"I've always felt Australia as a team play really well on flat wickets, bouncy flat wickets, (but) if the conditions allow a bit of seam and swing and spin, then I think England will be favourites."

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