Hussain Confident Ahead Of Ashes Trip

England will unveil a 17-strong squad for this winter's tour to Australia today, with injury doubts putting up to five players' involvement in jeopardy.

The England management are to warn Mark Butcher (knee), Darren Gough (knee), Andrew Flintoff (hernia) and Simon Jones (rib) their participation this winter depends upon them proving their fitness before the team leave for Perth next month.

Graham Thorpe's inclusion has been the subject of discussion over whether he is mentally tough enough to cope with the toughest tour of all after taking a break from cricket in the aftermath of his marriage break-up.

But despite that, Hussain believes a fully-fit England have the best chance since reclaiming the Ashes in 1986-7.

"If we can get the bowlers fit I think we've got a really good chance against Australia, the best chance against them for a long time," said Hussain.

"The batting is clicking and if we can sort out our catching and get our fast bowling raring to go we have a chance.

"It's the most positive England side I've known going into an Ashes series. The likes of Gough have to get fit and playing and Jones and Harmison, or whoever is selected, have to get fit.

"Our fast bowling options in Australia are going to be the key. If we can do that and if we take our catches, the way our batters are playing at the moment, we've got a very good chance."