According to the media reports, former wicket-keeping great Adam Gilchrist has backed Australian bowlers to do well against England after they failed to impress against Ireland and Middlesex batsmen.

Australia begins its five-match series of one-day games against England on Tuesday.

It has further been reported that despite its top four being dismissed inside 11 overs, Australia comfortably reached Middlesex's target of 274 to win by five wickets at Lord's on Saturday after a century from Cameron White and an unbeaten 72 from Michael Hussey.

The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that Australia's second-string attack, with the exception of Doug Bollinger, again failed to impress.

The paper further said that Clint McKay and Ryan Harris, who will play key roles against England, are well short of the form that they showed against Pakistan and the West Indies.

Apart from Bollinger, who claimed 3-24, each of Australia's bowlers conceded more than 40 runs.

But, the hitout was the perfect preparation for Australia entering the opening match in Southampton, said Gilchrist, who captained Middlesex against the tourists.

According to Gilchrist, "They didn't necessarily dominate us and we didn't take it away from them so it was a good all-round workout. ''They all got the overs under their belt that they would have liked. That's what you look for in these games."

Under-rated all-rounder James Hopes, left out for Steve Smith after collecting a career-best 5-14 against Ireland, could prove a handful if conditions suit his medium-pace bowling, Gilchrist further added. (With inputs from Agencies)