England's cricketers have been tipped to pile the misery on Australia in this winter's Ashes.

Andrew Strauss' men flew out this morning ahead of the five-match Test series which begins in Brisbane on November 25.

Australia have struggled in recent months and have slumped to fifth in the world rankings.

Former Derbyshire batsman Jon Moss, who has also represented Australia at the Maccabiah Games, has faced several of the England stars who will take on Ricky Ponting's men.

And the Sydney-born batsman reckons his old adversaries will take some stopping as they look to retain the Ashes urn this winter.

"If I was England then I'd be very confident," said Moss.

"I think their batting is better than Australia's bowling attack, The English top six are very well equipped to deal with our bowlers.

"I've played against all of them during my time at Derbyshire. When I was there in 2004/5, some of the guys were just hitting their straps.

"I played a lot against Graeme Swann and he really has done well because he's a very unassuming spinner.

"He doesn't look like he's going to be a world-beater or anything like that but he always does his job.

"He knows his limitations, he knows his game and he does it very well. I think England have a make up of a very good team and they're obviously very confident."

And with Australia having lost three Tests on the bounce for the first time since 1988, Moss reckons Ponting's men will be up against it.

He added: "Australia have suffered a lot recently in the press and the mood here at the moment is a bit negative because of the defeat in India.

"But England will be full of confidence coming here and they won't fear anyone."