A former Australia Ashes-winning captain has criticised his country’s selectors for picking a “ridiculous” squad to defend the trophy they won in 2006-07 and tipped England’s bowling attack to regain the famous urn.

Ian Chappell, who captained Australia in a drawn series in England in 1972 and regained the Ashes at home in 1974-75, said that England are the better bowling side this series. “If you are looking for clues as to who might win, I always look at the bowling attacks,” Chappell said. “Generally, you go with the team with the best attack. At the moment, England certainly have got it.

“A bit will depend on Flintoff and his fitness, but if he can stand up for all five Tests, then England have definitely got the better attack. On that basis, I would have them slight favourites.”

Speaking on a Cricinfo podcast, Chappell said that the balance of the Australia side was his biggest concern and urged the selectors not to go into the first Test without a specialist spinner. Australia are reportedly planning to use the part-time spin of Marcus North, Michael Clarke and Simon Katich rather than risk the misfiring Nathan Hauritz.

“I just don’t believe part-time spinners can do the job for you,” Chappell said. “You might get away with it on occasions, you shouldn’t win Test matches against decent cricket teams relying on part-time spinners.”

He added that Australia erred by not bringing an extra batsman and gave warning that Phillip Hughes may not be the messiah many Australians hope. “I thought it was ridiculous,” he said. “Not going with a third opening batsman is just asking for trouble. There seems to be this widespread feeling that Hughes is fine, he’s going to be a star. Well, he’s only played three Tests. He’s got a very unorthodox technique that could come unglued at any time.”