Former England coach David Lloyd predicts Ashes whitewash

Former England coach David Lloyd believes Australia are at “sixes and sevens” and will be on the end of an unprecedented home Ashes whitewash.

Optimism among England supporters is growing they can regain the urn for the first time since 2017 when they travel to Australia.

Since stunning Australia 3-1 in 2010-11, England have failed to even win a Test during their last three Ashes away series.

But after England fast bowling great Stuart Broad recently declared Australia to be in the worst shape since 2010-11, Lloyd believes history is beckoning for the Brendon McCullum coached team.

“I hate predictions, I can’t be doing with them,” Lloyd told SEN on Thursday.

“But I’m going turn into (Australia legend) Glenn McGrath, it’s going to be 5-0 England.”

Lloyd, who coached England between 1996 and 1999, said England sense they can do something special this summer.

“We’ve come over there and lost before,” he said.

“There is a real thought right now that England have a massive chance to win the Ashes in Australia.

“They feel they have the attack, that Australia are at sixes and sevens with the line-up; who will open? who is (batting at) three? Does Marnus (Labuschagne) come back in?

“Then there’s a really great match up between two of the best in the world with Joe Root and Steve Smith.”

Australia are yet to decide on an opening partner for Usman Khawaja, with young incumbent Sam Konstas facing a giant battle to keep his spot.

Lloyd thought the contenders - Konstas, Labuschagne, Jake Weatherald and Matt Renshaw - wouldn’t strike fear into the England camp.

“If I’m England coach, am I worried about them?” Lloyd, who played nine Tests, said.

“I’m not worried about any of those names.”