Former England batsman Graham Thorpe believes Australia could struggle in this year's Ashes series because of a lack of options if the pitches begin turning.

Speaking ahead of this summer's much-anticipated Ashes series, Thorpe admitted that while the tourists have improved over the last nine months after a dip in form they could still be susceptible.

"Australia were vulnerable nine months ago but they've plugged some holes," he told inthenews.co.uk.

"Although if our pitches do turn this summer then our spinners will really come into play against them.

"They'll be very tough to beat again because they've got a handy seam attack - but they are lacking in the spin department."

Thorpe was controversially dropped as a batsman in the build-up to the 2005 Ashes series in favour of up-and-coming one-day talent Kevin Pietersen.

And the veteran believes England must recapture such a ruthless streak both on and off the pitch if they are to recreate the highs of that summer of four years ago.

"If, as the series pans out, England can stay up with them – don't get bowled out by 200 and don't let Australia get on top of you earlier in the series - then we could be in for another cracker," he continued.

"If England have all their players fit and out on the park we'll be very competitive against them.

"Australia are edging it in terms of favourites at the moment because of their winter compared to England's, but it counts for nothing when it all kicks off."

Thorpe is now a coach for Surrey - who play their home matches at the Oval, this summer's final venue for an Ashes Test.

And he believes the home pitches could offer England some encouragement - and a crucial advantage - if the players can reach their potential.

"Compared to where the sides used to be ten years ago, when the Aussies had great players throughout their team, it's a lot closer now," he said.

"Then, we had maybe six players that could really compete with them.

"Now, man for man, we can compete with Australia if we play to our potential. If England play well we can beat Australia."