Australia will win Ashes 3-1: Rodney Hogg

CHENNAI: Former Australian pacer Rodney Hogg was one of the stars with an impressive 41 wickets in the six-Test Ashes series back in 1978-79. The 66-year-old, in an exclusive chat with TOI ahead of the ongoing Ashes, spoke on the two teams fighting it out for the urn and why he feels the hosts will clinch the series.How do you view the two teams?If you look at both the teams --- they have about 3 batsmen in their top-6 who aren't great players. Both sides are vulnerable in their batting and it's going to be a hard-fought series.What's your take on the pace line-up of both sides?If you look at the England attack, the records of Stuart Broad and James Anderson state that they aren't as effective in Australian conditions. Both are superstars but their records Down Under aren't as good. From Australia's perspective, they would be hoping that Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins fire. I am sure Nathan Lyon will out-bowl their spinner Moeen Ali.How much will it impact England with Ben Stokes not figuring in?Ben Stokes has stamped his class as one of the best players on the planet at the moment. He is a superstar all-rounder and he can walk into the side much like Andrew Flintoff did before. Players of the calibre of Stokes are so important and him not in the team is a big loss for England. What would your advice be for Steve Smith who would be leading Australia for the first time in an Ashes series?I wouldn't be giving any advice to Steve as he averages close to 60 in Australia and is one of the best batsmen in the side. I feel as a skipper he needs to relax a bit more. We need him to be calm in this series so we can beat England.Talk us about your memories of the 1978-79 series?I was 27 when I got a game and getting each of the wickets was memorable. To be given the Baggy Green cap on the morning of the Test match in Brisbane was special and doing well in that game has stayed with me till date. What would your prediction for the series?I think England will win in Adelaide. The pink ball will really suit both Broad and Anderson but I don't think they will win any other Test match. I feel Australia should win the Ashes 3-1.How do you view the progress of Mitchell Starc who will be spearheading the Australian attack?He is six feet tall and 6 inches tall and has a lovely run-up, works up great pace and one of the best in the world. But, he still hasn't dominated an Ashes series so that's up for grabs. He will bowl well at Adelaide. Ashes is the series where history looks back and rates how good you were. We are hoping to see him stamp his class at the Ashes.