Moores backs England to win Ashes

Lancashire coach Peter Moores is in his first season at Old Trafford

Ex-England coach Peter Moores is backing his former charges to win the Ashes against Australia this summer.

Moores, who was relieved of his job as England coach in January 2009, is now in charge at Lancashire.

"I've got to go with England, I think England on their own soil will win," he told BBC Radio Manchester.

"It will be tight, but I'll go with England 2-1. It'll be very exciting, but I think a lot will be about momentum," he added.

Moores, who replaced Duncan Fletcher after England's Ashes defeat in the winter of 2006-07 and a disappointing World Cup in the West Indies two months later, believes the experienced players on either side have vital roles to play.

"Both [teams] have got players who've played in the Ashes before and they match up similarly - England with Pietersen, Strauss and Flintoff, who are back to fitness, and Ponting, Hussey and Lee in the Australian side," he said.

"Australia are confident after their South Africa series win but England, similarly, after playing the West Indies and getting some players back fit, will feel the series has come at the right time."

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Moores believes that it is crucial England are able to deal with the pressure of being the hosts.

"That's part of the fun and the challenge," he added. "There are some pivotal moments and often it's the side that can win out in those times that go on to win the game and will go on to win the series."

The first Test of the five-match series gets under way in Cardiff on Wednesday.