McCullum backs England for Ashes

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said England were "red hot favourites" to retain the Ashes after the Black Caps had their "hearts ripped out" by Alastair Cook's men.

England completed a 2-0 series whitewash with a commanding 247-run victory over New Zealand in the second Test at Headingley on Tuesday.

This was England's last Test before the Ashes opener at Nottingham's Trent Bridge ground in July. Australian batsmen have struggled against the swinging ball in recent Ashes series and McCullum said: "England are red hot favourites at home, their ability to swing the Duke ball is huge. Any team that plays at home is familiar with the surroundings." McCullum added the defining moment of his team's Test campaign against England had been the fourth day of the first Test at Lord's.

New Zealand collapsed to 68 all out, England paceman Stuart Broad taking a Test-best seven for 44,as they suffered a 170-run defeat.

AFP