David Hussey: 'The Ashes will be close'

Australian cricketer David Hussey has backed coach Micky Arthur to have Australia firing on all cylinders in the first Ashes Test match next month.

England have been backed to comfortably defeat Australia in the upcoming five-match series, but Hussey believes that his country's coach will motivate his side to cause a surprise against their hosts.

The 35-year-old told Sky Sports News: "Micky Arthur is a fantastic coach, and he knows how to get players up, and I think he is going to have everyone right for the first Test match at Trent Bridge.

"I think it is going to be a lot closer series than what everyone thinks."

Hussey has played in 69 one-day internationals for Australia since making his debut in 2008.