Johannesburg, Dec 4: South Africa captain Graeme Smith has backed England to beat Australia in next year's Ashes series due to the home team advantage.

Uniquely qualified to comment having just led his team to a series win in England followed by Monday''s triumph in Australia, Smith said he was choosing his words carefully given his location.

"I think the challenge for Australia is going to be winning in England. I think (England) do play well in their own conditions. They know how to win there and to be able to adapt and play well there is going to be the challenge for Australia," Sports24 quoted Smith, as saying.

"They certainly have the players but from a mindset point of view, I think being a home series for England, I guess they''d have to be favourites," he added.

England, who have won the last two Ashes series, will host Australia in the northern hemisphere summer before immediately heading down under for the return series beginning at the end of year.

The change in scheduling is to prevent the Ashes from immediately preceding the 50 overs World Cup every four years. (ANI)