Beefy dismisses the Aussies’ chances for 2009

In his usual “up and at ‘em” style, Ian Botham has rubbished Australia’s chances of defending the Ashes, which will take place in England next year.

“We’ll win easily. I do believe we’ll win quite comfortably over here,” Beefy told the BBC.

“The Australians might start banging the drum saying they’re going to win next summer, but I don’t think so for one moment.

“I predicted it in 2005 and I predict it again now.”

Big talk from Botham, but then he always was England’s most confident cricketer.

We can see England beating an Australia team without Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, but not easily - England always make things harder than they have to be.

Applause bonus! Watch David Brent pay tribute to England’s greatest living all-rounder: