Panesar, who took part in England\u2019s away Ashes campaigns in 2006\u201307 and 2013\u201314, believes the current squad is better equipped to perform much better than those earlier touring sides that were whitewashed 5\u20130 in Australia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Although Australia haven\u2019t lost a home Test to England since 2011, Panesar believes the visitors have an edge this time given the hosts\u2019 mounting injury concerns.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"You look at Australia and there\u2019s no Pat Cummins and no Josh Hazlewood. They\u2019ve got an opener, which is a David Warner replacement, but we don't know how he's going to go about it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cUsman Khawaja in the last couple of years, his record has not been great, let's be honest. So, I just think England are on edge here, if England win the first Test match (they can win the series),\" Panesar said on SENWA Breakfast.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While Australia boast Nathan Lyon, who has 562 Test wickets, Panesar believes 22-year-old English spinner Shoaib Bashir has the potential to outperform the veteran on his own turf, despite Bashir having only 68 Test wickets at an average of 39.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cUsman Khawaja in the last couple of years, his record has not been great, let's be honest. So, I just think England are on edge here, if England win the first Test match (they can win the series),\" Panesar said on SENWA Breakfast.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The first Test between Australia and England begins in Perth on Friday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n