Jeff Thomson feels England will not be able to win back the Ashes crown because of too much dependence on Kevin Pietersen.

"There's no David Gower, Marcus Trescothick or Geoff Boycott. There's no guy who can hang around and get 200 to build a massive total. The batting relies so much on Pietersen, and if he fails there's very little else to stop a collapse," the Australian pace legend said.

Thomson, who took 200 wickets in 51 Tests, reckons that lack of batting depth make England vulnerable.

"There is a soft belly in the middle-order. If you get the front three or four out then England are a little exposed," he told 'The Mirror'.

Aussies in advantage

Thomson, who called Ricky Ponting a crap skipper, said Australia have an edge despite not having players like Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.

"My money is on Australia. Of course it is. We still have the better team and more solid performers. We have the edge on England because our guys are so confident.

"They are cocky and self-assured. They know they can do this and that, but they also go out and put it all into action," he said.