The former Test wicket-keeper says facing England without Steve and Mark would hand the tourists a massive psychological advantage.

Speaking to the Australian Sunday Telegraph, Marsh said: "I'm sure England would love to think that neither of them were in the side."

Meanwhile, another veteran wicket-keeper, Alec Stewart, on his 19th tour for England, said he held out hope Australia might come unstuck in the Ashes.

Marsh said: "If ever England wanted a psychological advantage, you would hand it to them on a plate if you left out the two Waughs."

Australia have beaten England in the last seven Ashes series and are strong favourites to make it eight in a row when the series begins in Brisbane on November 7.

The Waughs have been the cornerstone of Australia's recent domination of the Ashes, but are under pressure to retain their places in the team.

Both performed below par in the 2001-02 season and were dropped from the Australian limited-overs team earlier this year.

But Marsh, who retired in 1984 along with Dennis Lillee and Greg Chappell, said the Waughs deserved to be kept in the side.

He said both would know when to call it a day.

"They have been fantastic contributors for Australia, so I would think they'll know the time," he said.

Stewart, at 39 two years older than the Waughs, said support from his family had been crucial ever since his first tour in 1990.

He told BBC Radio Five Live: "There's nothing better than being with your family and to reach the very top of this profession I've had to have a very understanding family."

Stewart has played in six losing Ashes series, and is looking to reverse the trend.

He said: "Australia have had a fantastic few years but hopefully on the day they'll come unstuck against England."