Hussey expects close Ashes series

Hussey has been impressed with England's newer players

Michael Hussey said this summer's Ashes would be a "huge challenge" as he landed in England with the rest of the Australia squad on Thursday.

Batsman Hussey starred as Australia won the 2006-07 series 5-0, but he believes England have improved since then.

"England have added a lot of depth to their squad over the last couple of years and have got guys playing confident cricket," he said.

"I think it will be a very close series and very challenging for both teams."

Hussey, 34, is part of Australia's squad for the ICC World Twenty20, which England are hosting throughout June.

India are favourites to win that competition, but the biggest prize for English and Australian cricket fans is in July and August, when rivalries resume in the five-match Ashes series.

606: DEBATE Other than winning the Tests in SA, the Aussies have lost just about every other meaningful series in the recent past snoopy

Hussey, whose prolific spells with Northants and Durham propelled him into the Australia side, has been impressed with the way England have found a way to win without key all-rounder Andrew Flintoff available for the early part of the summer.

But he also feels Australia have unearthed some diamonds of their own, such as opening batsman Phillip Hughes who has been racking up the runs in a short stint with Middlesex this term.

"There have been a lot of new players coming into the England set-up who have been doing quite well and showing they are good enough to play at international level. That bodes well for England," he added.

"We have been very impressed. We know they have got a good team, particularly in English conditions. A lot of their guys have improved so I think we are in for a huge challenge this summer.

What really matters isn't whether you are young or old but doing the business out in the middle Michael Hussey

"But we have got an excellent squad as well, one with a lot of confidence out of winning the Test series in South Africa.

"We have a mixture of young fresh faces like Phil Hughes, who is so exciting, with a lot of talent, and has done well in his initial time as this level.

"We have some good experienced players as well. Hopefully that blend will help us but I think what really matters isn't whether you are young or old but doing the business out in the middle. That's all that counts."

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