Exclusive: Sidebottom backs England to win the Ashes

Ryan Sidebottom is backing England to win the Ashes - and predicts they will triumph 2-0 in the Test series against Australia.

The phoney war is all but over, with the first Test due to start in Brisbane on Thursday, and Sidebottom insists Andrew Strauss' side is in tip-top shape.

He told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: "We've got really high hopes of winning. I'm told confidence is really high, team spirit is great and the bonding has been really good.

"Their preparation has been great, they've won two out of three matches, and it couldn’t have gone any better. Every little one per cent is sorted out. It was a great move sending the four main bowlers to Brisbane to get used to the conditions.

"Times have changed. That air of invincibility around Australia has gone and I would say England are on top.

"The Aussie media have been quietly impressed with England and they’re getting on their own teams’ backs, which makes a nice change."

But Sidebottom has one word of warning for Strauss and co as they prepared for the action at The Gabba later this week.

"Come Brisbane, all the talk about how well England are playing will be totally different," he added. "In the first hour of that first morning there will be a few nerves.

"It's going to be a big crowd, it's probably going to be hot, but I’m sure England will be on top."